Have you ever gotten a cut or a wound and wondered how to clean it? You may use wipes, but which ones are safe to use? Should you use regular wet wipes? Should you use cotton pads dipped in water or ointment? What is the right way to clean wound?

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have advised the pubic to stop using certain non-sterile alcohol-free wipes and to dispose of them.

This has come against the backdrop of an investigation for Burkholderia stabilis outbreak. The investigation found that certain wipes were contaminated with Burkholderia stabilis.

The following products have been found affected:

• ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes
• Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free
• Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes

Public health officials in the UK are urging people to check their first aid kits after certain alcohol-free cleansing wipes were found to be contaminated with a strain of Burkholderia stabilis. Although the contaminated strain identified in Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes is not the same as that linked to recent outbreak cases, the products have been withdrawn from sale as a precaution.

The wipes may have been used for skin cleansing or cleaning around wounds and could still be found in homes or first aid kits, despite no longer being on sale. These products are not routinely used within the NHS. People are advised not to use the wipes listed in the official recall notice and to dispose of them in household waste.

Do Not Use Non-Sterile Wipes on Broken Skin

Officials stress that non-sterile alcohol-free wipes should never be used to clean wounds, broken skin, or intravenous (IV) lines, as they are not safe for these purposes. Instead, the public should follow NHS guidance for treating cuts and grazes and only use wipes clearly marked as “sterile” for cleaning areas where the skin is broken or bleeding.

Patients with IV lines are advised to follow the care instructions provided by their medical teams. Those who have cystic fibrosis or manage IV lines at home should speak to their healthcare providers if they have concerns about their health or infection risks.

Symptoms to Watch For

Anyone who has used non-sterile, alcohol-free wipes does not need to seek medical care unless they develop symptoms of infection, such as:

Wound infection: redness, swelling, warmth, increased pain, or pus/drainage from the site

Infection involving an IV line: redness, swelling, or pain at the insertion site, along with fever or chills

Official Safety Advice

The UKHSA offers the following guidance for safe wipe use:

• Use only sterile wipes on broken skin, wounds, or scratches to reduce the risk of germs entering the body.
• Check that your first aid kit contains only wipes labelled “sterile,” ensure the packaging is intact, and dispose of any out-of-date or damaged products.
• Only use wipes on IV lines if specifically instructed by your healthcare team.

What Is Burkholderia Stabilis?

The UKSA notes, Burkholderia stabilis is a bacteria found in natural environments. While it rarely causes infection in healthy individuals, it can pose serious risks to people with weakened immune systems, such as those with cystic fibrosis or patients with IV lines.

From 2018 to 2025, there have been 51 confirmed cases of Burkholderia stabilis infection in the UK, now suspected to be linked to some non-sterile alcohol-free wipes. Although no deaths have occurred, some patients required hospital treatment for serious infections. No person-to-person spread has been detected.

Coordinated Public Health Response

UKHSA, the MHRA, and the NHS have been working together to address the outbreak. The MHRA has worked with manufacturers and distributors to stop the sale and supply of affected products. A safety alert has been issued to healthcare professionals, reminding them to follow infection prevention and control guidelines.

Dr James Elston, Consultant in Epidemiology and Public Health at UKHSA, said, “While the overall risk to the public remains very low, a number of non-sterile alcohol-free wipe products have been linked to an outbreak of Burkholderia stabilis. It is important these types of wipes are not used for the treatment of injuries, wounds, or broken skin, and that they are not used to clean intravenous lines.”

He added that testing of patient-used wipes helped identify the source, leading to a swift national safety alert.

Regulatory Action

Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, emphasized that wipes intended for medical purposes are classed as medicines. These products do not have the necessary medicines authorisation, and steps are being taken to enforce compliance.

“If you have these wipes at home or in a first aid kit, check the label and only use wipes marked as ‘sterile’ on broken skin,” Dr Cave advised. “Healthcare professionals should follow instructions provided in the national patient safety alert.”

Anyone who has used alcohol-free wipes and is concerned about possible infection should speak to a healthcare professional.

The consumption of vapes or the practice of vaping has seen a surge among the younger generation. People have often considered vapes to be a substitute for their everyday cigarettes, and therefore, they have replaced their traditional smoking habits. They do not carry the right knowledge about this common practice and fail to take the right measures to cut down on its usage. Research institutions and government bodies are now making collective efforts to establish the facts and make the general populace more aware and healthy.

How Can You Detect The Early Signs Of Oral Cancer?

Oral problems and an increased risk of oral cancer are considered to be the common problems associated with vaping. The presence of harmful chemicals in its formation makes it harmful to the human body. Along with your oral cavity, they can also damage the lining of your mouth. It has been proven that excessive consumption of vapes can lead to an increased risk of oral cancer.

Oral cancer can be prevented with early detection and immediate medical intervention. It can be identified with signs like abnormal bleeding inside the mouth, ulcers that won’t heal, chronic soreness, and red and white patches on the tongue and gums. The common signs are often discarded as an allergy, and people fail to seek the right treatment. Even with the available medical care and support, they are not able to counter this deadly disease.

The Impact of Vaping on Oral Tissues

The risk of vaping is not limited to increased chances of getting oral cancer. It can also impact your overall health. A vape is made with excessive heat and other harmful chemicals, which can damage the tissues of your gums and cause inflammation. It can lead to a condition known as gingivitis. One might also experience a dryness in their mouth, which is caused by reduced saliva production, which is considered to be a defense mechanism against bacterial production.

There can be far-reaching implications of having a constant dry mouth. It can lead to a breeding ground for harmful microbes. It can also increase one’s chances of having tooth decay, foul smell in the mouth, and oral infections.

Also read: Vaping Becomes Major Nicotine Threat Among Children Under 5 in US, Warns Study

The presence of flavoring agents and harmful chemicals in vapes makes them more damaging to the enamel of your teeth. In the short run, it might not seem like a major problem, but it can lead to tooth sensitivity if not handled at the right time.

Which Is More Harmful- Smoking or Vaping?

As the practice of vaping does not include combustion, people consider it safer than regular smoking. They often forget that vapes contain a significant amount of nicotine, which promotes survival and rapid growth of cancerous cells.

Vaping can reduce the blood flow to your gums and affect your healing capabilities. It can also increase your probability of periodontal disease. As the younger generation considers vaping to be a safer alternative, it can lead to its more frequent usage. As vaping does not follow any pattern like traditional smoking, it can be consumed at any time during the day, and increases your exposure to harmful chemicals.

The younger generation has reported an increasing number of oral health issues that are linked to vaping. Some of these problems include inflammation of your gums and decay of

your tooth enamel. As these issues seem visibly minor, they can often get ignored, and the person might not seek the required treatment. Consequently, they might develop long-term oral problems.

The younger generation gets influenced by the internet fads and more affordable alternatives to their daily smoking. As they keep increasing their consumption of vapes, they fail to identify the potential side effects.

Conclusion

The ongoing research has proven that vaping can be detrimental to both your oral and overall health. Research has suggested that this problem is more common among the younger generation, who might feel more inclined to replace the traditional forms of smoking. With ease of usage and accessibility, this malpractice has youngsters across the globe under its grip.

If one does not make the right effort to reduce their usage, it can lead to serious complications in the long run. Both the government officials and healthcare professionals need to spread more awareness about its detrimental effects and make efforts to conduct regular oral checkups. In this way, there will be a community-level effort to put a stop to its usage.

Bob Harris, the renowned BBC Radio 2 host, has informed his listeners of being hospitalized again for prostate cancer treatment.

Posting on social media platform Instagram, Harris said he is receiving treatment for an issue that has developed over the past few weeks.

“As many of you know, I suffer from prostate cancer, and every now and again I experience setbacks that need attention. Now is one of these moments,” he wrote, along with a picture of himself lying in a hospital bed while smiling for the camera.

Harris noted that he’s taking short break away from his programs. However, he confirmed that this week’s Country Show is scheduled as planned, and his Sounds of the 70’s episode on 12th April will feature an 80th birthday celebration special he recorded before attending the C2C Festival with Zoe Ball.

Noting that he can’t state the day of his return as the host, he said: “I know that I will come back… and come back stronger”.

“I hate missing programs and I am keen to get back into the studio as soon as I can”.

Calling himself “blessed” for the support he received from friends and family and listeners of his show, Harris said that during his absence, Darius Rucker will guest on Country, while Shaun Keaveny will cover Sounds of the 70’s for a few weeks.

"I am so blessed to have the love of my family and the support of my friends who have rallied round me at what has proved to be an unexpectedly testing time,” Harris said.

Prostate Cancer: The UK’s Most Common Male Cancer

Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer among men in the UK, with around 55,000 cases diagnosed every year. Despite this, there is currently no national screening program because of concerns over the accuracy of PSA tests.

In November 2025, former UK Prime Minister David Cameron revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis and also called for a targeted screening.

Also read: Joe Biden Is Diagnosed With Aggressive Prostate Cancer: All That You Need To Know

In an interview with Times, he said, "You always hope for the best. You have a high PSA score - that is probably nothing. You have an MRI scan with a few black marks on it. You think, ‘Ah, that’s probably OK.’ But when the biopsy comes back, and it says you have got prostate cancer. You always dread hearing those words. And then literally as they’re coming out of the doctor’s mouth you’re thinking, ‘Oh, no, he’s going to say it. He’s going to say it. Oh God, he said it.’"

The former PM, said that he had a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test for the screening that looks for proteins associated with the form of the disease. His result was high, and a biopsy after that revealed his cancer.

In October 2024, six-time Olympic gold medallist Chris Hoy revealed he had been diagnosed with terminal stage 4 cancer. His prostate cancer had spread to his shoulder, pelvis, hips, ribs and spine.

A woman’s health check-up is not about being paranoid. It's about refusing to treat your body as an afterthought.

You may not be able to control every diagnosis you ever get. But you can control how late you meet it. That's what preventive care is all about. Early detection through these screenings helps manage hormonal changes, cancer risks, and metabolic health.

From routine blood tests to specialized screenings, Dr. Supriya Bali, Director, Internal Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, spoke to HealthandMe on specific tests crucial for women, right from their 20s

In Your 20s: Laying A Strong Foundation

Your 20s are all about establishing healthy habits that will carry you through life. Even if you feel great, this is a crucial time to get in the habit of seeing your doctor regularly.

Recommended screening includes:

• Blood pressure check – Every 1-2 years if normal; more often if elevated
• Pap smear – Start at age 21 (or by age 25 if you’ve never been sexually active); every three years if results are normal
• Chlamydia and gonorrhea screening – Annually for sexually active women under 25
• HPV vaccine – If not already completed by 26
• Skin check – Monitor moles and sun damage, especially if you tan easily
• Mental health screening – Don’t ignore stress, anxiety, or depression

In Your 30s: Reproductive And Preventive Health In Focus

As the body begins to undergo subtle changes in the 30s, regular screenings, hormonal health checks, and lifestyle adjustments are increasingly important.

Recommended screenings in 30s include:

• Pap + HPV co-test – Every 5 years starting at 30 (or Pap every 3 years)
• STI screening – Based on risk factors and symptoms
• Blood pressure and cholesterol check – Especially if you have a family history
• Blood sugar test – Especially if you’re planning a pregnancy or have had gestational diabetes
• Breast exam – Regular self-monitoring and breast ultrasound if you suspect a lump.
• Mental health and sleep – Ongoing check-ins with your doctor
• Fertility discussions – If you're planning or delaying pregnancy

Also read: 'Husband Stitch': A Medical Necessity Or Just A Tool To Objectify Women's Bodies?

In Your 40s: Monitoring Long-Term Risk Factors

This is a time when early signs of chronic conditions may start to show up, especially if there’s a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or cancer.

You should get these screenings at certain times:

• Mammography screening: Begin at 40 years of age (earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer).
• Pap smear & HPV test: Pap and HPV every 5 years or Pap alone every 3 years.
• Cholesterol & Blood Pressure Testing: Every 1-2 years.
• Blood glucose test (diabetes screening): especially if you're overweight or at risk for diabetes.
• Thyroid function testing is optional—especially if you feel tired, cold, or have been losing weight or have changes in your bowel habits.
• Weight discussions regarding healthy nutrition and active lifestyle—assist with maintaining a healthy weight.
• Perimenopause begins in your 40's; if you experience mood swings or changes in sleep, hot flashes, or irregular cycles, please speak with your doctor.

Also read: What Your Mammogram Says About Your Heart?

In Your 50’s: Maintain Strength, Stay Ahead of Aging

Maintaining your strength, the ability to prevent illness/disease from affecting you, and remaining proactive against the challenges that arise due to aging will be your focus at this stage.

Every individual will have their own unique series of recommended screenings; however, everyone will benefit from some type of recommended screening.

Some commonly recommended screenings include:

• Mammogram screening program; every 1-2 years.
• Colorectal cancer screening, beginning at age 45 through age 75.
• Bone density scan-if at high risk.
• Hearing/Vision checks annually or as required (on an as-needed basis).
• Blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screening every year.
• Lung cancer screening among those with a history of smoking.
• Vaccines--including shingles, pneumonia, flu, and COVID-19 booster.
• Cognitive screening - to discover memory concerns, changes in mental sharpness, or cognitive function.