Latest news with #healthSafety
The Herald
28-06-2025
- Health
- The Herald
'My eyes were burning': woman hospitalised after lash extension nightmare
Refilwe Motiang, a 31-year-old woman from Midrand, recently had a harrowing experience that almost left her blind. What was meant to be a pampering session at the salon turned into a nightmare. Last Thursday she went to the salon to get her eyelash extensions done in preparation for a trip to the North West. During the process she felt an intense burning sensation in her eyes, which she described as unbearable. 'My eyes were burning,' Motiang said. Despite informing the technician, she said she was told it was normal and the glue was strong to make the lashes last longer. However, the pain persisted and she soon found herself struggling to open her eyes, with excessive tearing and difficulty lifting her eyelids. 'I started feeling cold and shivering, then I asked to go outside. Next thing I was struggling to open my eyes. My eyes were tearing up and I was struggling to lift up my eyelids. That's when I realised something was bad.'
CNA
25-06-2025
- Health
- CNA
Teen caught selling unregistered contact lenses on Telegram, HSA takes down dozens of illegal listings
SINGAPORE: An 18-year-old girl was caught selling unregistered contact lenses on Telegram, as authorities carried out a months-long crackdown on the sale of illegal health products online. In a media release on Thursday (Jun 26), the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said it took down 171 listings of unregistered contact lenses on local e-commerce and social media platforms. Sixteen overseas-based websites that were selling such contact lenses to consumers in Singapore were blocked. "These unregistered contact lenses, which are marketed to consumers at attractive prices, have not been evaluated by HSA for safety and quality," the agency said, adding that such products could cause serious complications such as eye infections, corneal ulcers and potential vision impairment. In the case of the 18-year-old girl, who was caught in March, HSA said she had purchased 500 of such lenses from an overseas website at S$6 per pair. She made a profit by selling each pair at S$12. The teen posted on Telegram that the contact lenses were available for sale at her rented booth in a shopping mall in the East. A total of 280 powered and non-powered contact lenses were seized in a joint operation by HSA and the Ministry of Health (MOH). HSA said it has taken enforcement action against her. "The seller is also being investigated by MOH and will be dealt with separately," it added. ILLEGAL PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE The case was one of 1,288 illegal health product listings removed from local e-commerce and social media platforms in an operation held from Dec 16, 2024, to May 16, 2025. The operation was part of a global effort coordinated by Interpol to combat pharmaceutical crime. Ninety countries were involved, said HSA. The top three categories of illegal health products detected are: Medicines for skin and hair conditions (37 per cent), antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral creams, tablets or capsules (15 per cent), and unregistered contact lenses (13 per cent). Prescription medicines made up half the total number of illegal product listings detected online. Of the 1,288 listings removed, 644 were for prescription medicines. These included acne creams, hair loss medicines, as well as antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral tablets and capsules to treat infections. "These products are often sought by consumers who self-medicate," HSA said. "However, consumers who buy these medicines online are risking their health as prescription medicines contain potent ingredients and should only be used under proper medical supervision." HSA said users of contact lenses should note that it is illegal to sell contact lenses online. Contact lenses are medical devices that must be registered with the authority to ensure they meet the required standards of safety, performance and quality. It is also essential to have a proper eye examination and have contact lenses fitted by a registered optometrist or contact lens-practising optician before using the lenses, HSA said. From 2024 to June this year, HSA received seven reports of contact lens users who experienced adverse eye reactions such as conjunctivitis, corneal ulceration and blurred vision, with most of the affected consumers requiring medical treatment with antibiotics. The actual number of affected users may be higher as some may not have sought medical treatment, HSA said.
BBC News
23-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Crete hotel removed from sale over Legionnaires' disease fears
The Greek hotel where a holidaymaker who contracted Legionnaires' disease was staying has been temporarily removed from sale, the BBC Jobling, from Hull, caught the lung disease during an all-inclusive holiday in Crete and is in intensive family of the 57-year-old, who was travelling with easyJet Holidays, were being supported by the holiday operator."As soon as we were made aware of reports of illness, we contacted customers who were already staying in the hotel, or due to travel in the next four weeks, to provide alternative options," a spokesperson said. The hotel has not been officially named but it was understood officials were working with local health authorities on the it was not confirmed that the hotel was the source of the infection, easyJet said as a precaution customers were moved out and have been provided alternative hotel accommodation. Ms Jobling developed a chest infection on 5 June which triggered acute respiratory failure and was taken to an intensive care unit at Venizeleio Hospital in Heraklion six days later according to her family. What is Legionnaires' disease? Legionnaires' disease is a serious lung infection transmitted by inhaling droplets of infected is not usually contracted by drinking contaminated water and people can become infected when taking a shower, flushing a toilet or from an air conditioning symptoms can be confused with influenza and, according to the NHS, include a cough, shortness of breath, chest pains and a high who catch Legionnaires' disease are treated with antibiotics. Most make a full recovery but it can take weeks for people to get back to normal. Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
Health Line
18-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
What Ingredients Are in the Flu Shot?
During the last half-century, millions of people have gotten the flu shot. Very few people have had any serious problems. Research overwhelmingly shows that the flu vaccine and the chemicals it contains are safe. If you read the ingredient list of your average flu vaccine, you may notice words like formaldehyde, polysorbate 80, and thimerosal. Some of these ingredients, such as thimerosal, have made news in recent years because of concerns that they may pose health risks. Here's a rundown of the typical ingredients you'll find in a flu vaccine, and the real story behind those possible risks. What's in a flu shot? When you get a flu vaccine, you have two options: Inactivated influenza vaccines that contain flu viruses that have been killed, so they can't cause the flu. Live influenza vaccine (LAIV or FluMist) nasal sprays that contain a live but weakened form of the virus. Here are some ingredients you'll find in the flu shot: Egg protein Many flu vaccines are made by growing the viruses inside fertilized chicken eggs. This means that they contain a small amount of egg protein. A newer version of the vaccine, called Flucelvax, is grown in animal cells instead. Preservatives Vaccine manufacturers add the preservative thimerosal to multidose vaccine vials. Thimerosal helps prevent and kill dangerous bacteria and fungi in the vial. Thimerosal contains mercury, which can be toxic in large doses. There isn't enough evidence to show the small amount contained in the flu vaccine is dangerous. But if you're concerned, thimerosal-free versions of the flu vaccine are available. Stabilizers Sucrose, sorbitol, and monosodium glutamate (MSG) are used to keep vaccines stable. They prevent vaccines from losing potency, even when exposed to heat and light. Sucrose is the same table sugar you spoon into your coffee. Sorbitol is an artificial sweetener that's also found in chewing gum. MSG is a flavor enhancer. Commonly thought of as an additive in Chinese food, it's used in many processed foods. Though certain people are sensitive to MSG, the amount found in the flu vaccine is very small. Antibiotics Neomycin, gentamicin, and other antibiotics are added to vaccines in very small amounts. They stop bacteria from contaminating the vaccine. Polysorbate 80 This emulsifier prevents sauces and salad dressings from separating. In vaccines, polysorbate 80 keeps all the ingredients evenly distributed. Though large doses can cause some people to have reactions, the amount in the flu vaccine is very small. Formaldehyde This natural compound is found in household products from glues and other adhesives to pressed-wood furniture. Formaldehyde is a gas that's soluble in water. It's used in the flu vaccine to inactivate influenza virus. Routine exposure to large doses of formaldehyde is linked to eye and throat irritation, breathing trouble, and a higher risk for certain cancers. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most formaldehyde used in producing a vaccine undergoes removal from the vaccine solution before being packaged and sent to doctors and pharmacies. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the level of formaldehyde that remains in a vaccine (such as the flu vaccine) is much lower than the amount that occurs naturally in the human body. The residual amount of formaldehyde used in vaccines 'does not pose a safety concern,' and 'there is no evidence linking cancer to infrequent exposure to tiny amounts of formaldehyde via injection as occurs with vaccines.' What are the side effects of the flu shot? Most side effects from the flu vaccine are mild. People have reported symptoms like: tenderness, redness, and swelling of the skin around the injection site fever fatigue headache Call your doctor or go to an emergency room right away if you have any of these more serious side effects, which may indicate an allergic reaction: trouble breathing or wheezing swelling of the eyes or lips hives weakness fast heartbeat dizziness Benefits of the flu vaccine A yearly flu vaccine is the single best way to prevent the flu and its complications. Although vaccine effectiveness can vary from year to year, in general the vaccine can reduce doctor's visits and illness. During the 2023–2024 flu season, the flu shot prevented 9.8 million flu-related illnesses, 4.8 million medical visits, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 7,900 deaths. The flu vaccine will lower your likelihood of getting sick. And if you do catch the flu, it's likely to be milder than if you weren't vaccinated. The vaccine also prevents serious flu-related complications like: pneumonia bronchitis asthma attacks That's why it's especially important for young children, older adults, and anyone with chronic health conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and diabetes to get vaccinated. Who should avoid the flu vaccine? The flu vaccine is very effective, but it isn't right for everyone. Don't get the vaccine if you've had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient it contains, including egg protein. You also should avoid the flu vaccine if you've had Guillain-Barré syndrome. In 1976, a swine flu vaccine was linked to an increased risk for Guillain-Barré, which causes the immune system to attack and damage the protective coating around nerve cells. Guillain-Barré syndrome causes extreme weakness and tingling in the limbs, known as severe peripheral neuropathy. It can be life-threatening in rare cases. There's no clear link between the current flu vaccine and Guillain-Barré. If any risk exists, it's very small, affecting about 1 out of every 1 million people vaccinated. The vaccine also isn't recommended for babies under 6 months old because it hasn't been proven safe in infants. Talk to your doctor if you have a weakened immune system, or if you take medicine to suppress your immune system. You may not respond as well to the vaccine. If you're sick, you might want to put off the flu shot until you feel better. Talking to your doctor It's always a good idea to talk with your doctor, especially if you haven't gotten the flu vaccine before or if your health has changed. If you have an allergy or other condition that might make the vaccine risky for you, check with your doctor before getting vaccinated. Here are a few questions to ask your doctor: Is there any reason why I shouldn't get the flu vaccine? What side effects might it cause? What should I do if I have side effects? Should I get the flu shot or nasal mist? Optum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more. Outlook for flu vaccines The flu vaccine is considered safe. You can't catch the flu from the vaccine, because the virus in the vaccine has been killed or weakened. The live vaccine isn't recommended for people with weaker immune systems. Preventing the flu Getting the flu vaccine is one of the best ways to avoid the flu this season. Also try these other steps to protect yourself against the flu virus: Wash your hands with warm water and soap, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to kill germs throughout the day, especially before you eat. Even if your hands are clean, keep them away from your eyes, nose, and mouth, which are entry routes for flu viruses and other germs. Try to stay away from anyone who's sick. If someone in your house catches the flu, disinfect any surfaces they touch, such as countertops and doorknobs. Cover your nose and mouth whenever you sneeze. Cough and sneeze into your elbow to avoid contaminating your hands.
BBC News
13-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
County Durham Botox warning after 14 'adverse reactions'
A number of people have faced rare side effects after getting Botox, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).It said 14 people from County Durham and Darlington had experienced "adverse reactions" following the cosmetic procedure, including eye drooping and double organisation said 10 people had required treatment so far and it was advising clinicians in the area to look out for symptoms in people who had received Botox County Council official Amanda Healy said it was working with UKHSA to investigate the causes of these effects. The health agency said its initial investigations suggested the issue was not due to contaminated said symptoms of botulism in these cases were being reported a few weeks after people had received the procedureUKHSA official Joanna Darke said botulism was a rare infection which could be serious and could be caused by the toxins found in Botox. The toxins could then attack a person's nervous system and cause paralysis, she said. Dr Darke appealed for people in the area who had recently got Botox and were experiencing symptoms, such as slurred speech, to contact 111."There are effective treatments available," she Healy said aesthetic procedures were becoming more popular on the high street and that people should ensure their practitioner wore PPE, washed their hands and carried out a pre-consultation. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
