Should You Throw Away Your Lipstick After Flu? The Truth About Makeup and Germs

After battling a severe bout of flu, most of us are eager to get back to normal life. 

We wash the bedding, disinfect door handles, and perhaps even replace our toothbrush. 

But what about the lipstick you've been using while you were ill? Or your lip balm, mascara and foundation? Should they stay or should they go?

The answer isn't quite as straightforward as you might think.

Lip Products: Better Safe Than Sorry

Lipsticks, lip glosses and lip balms come into direct contact with your mouth, making them the most likely makeup items to harbour viruses and bacteria while you're ill. Although flu viruses generally don't survive for long outside the human body, they can remain active on surfaces for several hours, and bacteria can persist for much longer.

If you've had a particularly severe flu infection, replacing lip products is a sensible precaution, especially if you are prone to recurring infections or have a weakened immune system. Lip balms in pots that require you to dip a finger in repeatedly are particularly worth replacing.

If the lipstick was expensive, you can reduce the risk by carefully shaving off the top layer with a clean tissue or sanitised knife before wiping the surface with a little 70% isopropyl alcohol and allowing it to dry. However, if you have any doubts, replacing it provides complete peace of mind.

Mascara Is Different

Mascara has a relatively short lifespan anyway. Eye infections can spread easily, and mascara tubes are warm, dark environments where bacteria can multiply.

If you developed sore, watery eyes during your illness or had any sign of an eye infection, it's best to throw the mascara away and open a fresh tube.

Powders and Foundations

Pressed powders, blushers and eyeshadows are generally much lower risk because they contain very little moisture. You can usually disinfect the surface with a light mist of cosmetic-safe alcohol and clean your brushes thoroughly before using them again.

Liquid foundations, concealers and pump dispensers are also relatively safe because the product inside isn't continually exposed to the air. Simply clean the outside of the bottle and the pump nozzle with an alcohol wipe.

Don't Forget the Brushes

Many people overlook the makeup brushes themselves.

Brushes and beauty sponges should be washed thoroughly with warm water and a gentle cleanser or specialist brush cleaner. Allow them to dry completely before using them again.

The Bottom Line

There is limited evidence that people routinely reinfect themselves with flu from their own makeup once they have recovered, as your immune system has usually developed protection against the same strain. However, contaminated cosmetics can potentially spread germs to others or become breeding grounds for bacteria over time.

When in doubt, replace products that have direct contact with your lips or eyes, clean everything else carefully, and treat yourself to a fresh start after you've recovered.

Sometimes, peace of mind is worth far more than the cost of a new lipstick.

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STAND's "Legs on Tour" Aims to Restore Mobility and Hope Across Africa

Prosthetists in Ghana working on STAND limbs

A remarkable UK charity is preparing to embark on an ambitious nationwide mission that could transform the lives of thousands of amputees across sub-Saharan Africa.

STAND has announced its "Legs on Tour 2026" appeal, which will see its team travel across the UK from 3-6 August collecting unwanted prosthetic leg components from prosthetic centres. 

Rather than allowing these high-quality components to be discarded, they will be refurbished and shipped to clinics across sub-Saharan Africa, where they will be fitted to people who would otherwise have little or no chance of receiving a prosthetic limb.

The charity highlights a stark global imbalance. While many prosthetic legs in countries such as the UK are retired after use despite remaining in excellent condition, millions of amputees in low-income African nations have no access to prosthetic care at all. 

It's estimated up to 95% of amputees in these countries are unable to obtain a prosthetic limb, leaving many unable to work, attend school or fully participate in everyday life.

For those affected, the consequences extend far beyond mobility. The inability to walk often limits education, employment and independence, trapping individuals and families in a cycle of poverty. By giving someone the opportunity to walk again, organisations like STAND can also help restore confidence, dignity and economic opportunity.

RTA survivor Catherine from Ghana

To ensure the tour reaches as many collection points as possible, STAND is aiming to raise £20,000. The first £2,000 donated will be matched pound for pound by leading prosthetics manufacturer Blatchford, effectively doubling the value of early contributions. The funds will help cover the costs of collecting, refurbishing and transporting prosthetic components, as well as providing rehabilitation support to amputees receiving their new limbs.

Since being founded 12 years ago, STAND has already helped thousands of people regain their mobility across sub-Saharan Africa through the provision of prosthetic legs and rehabilitation services. Earlier this year, the charity strengthened its international impact through a partnership with French NGO Nav'Solidaire to expand the refurbishment and delivery of donated prosthetic legs throughout Africa.

Paralympic gold medallist Richard Whitehead MBE has thrown his support behind the appeal, describing mobility as something that transforms confidence, independence and opportunity. His endorsement underlines the life-changing difference that access to a prosthetic limb can make.

If you, a family member or someone you know has an unused prosthetic leg component, or if you would simply like to support the appeal financially, further information about donating equipment or making a contribution can be found at STAND's Legs on Tour 2026 appeal.

Sometimes, giving someone the chance to stand really does help them take the next step towards a brighter future.

https://www.stand.ngo

World Lung Cancer Day 2026: Together Through Lung Cancer

World Lung Cancer Day, taking place on Saturday 1 August 2026, is an opportunity to raise awareness of one of the world's most serious cancers while reminding those affected that they do not have to face the disease alone.

This year's campaign from Know Lung Cancer carries the powerful message "Together through Lung Cancer", highlighting the importance of education, support and community for patients, families and carers.

While advances in diagnosis and treatment continue to improve outcomes for many people, lung cancer can still have a profound physical, emotional and psychological impact. Recovery and long-term management often involve much more than medical treatment, making access to reliable information and supportive communities incredibly valuable.

Know Lung Cancer is encouraging people to connect with others who understand the challenges of living with the disease. As part of this year's campaign, the organisation has expanded the support available through its website by introducing a dedicated Support Groups section, linking patients and carers with trusted organisations and peer communities.

The campaign also includes a WhatsApp support group led by Know Lung Cancer patient ambassadors. The group offers a welcoming space where people can share experiences, ask questions and gain reassurance from others who truly understand the realities of a lung cancer diagnosis.

Supporters are also being invited to take part in a simple awareness campaign on World Lung Cancer Day itself. People can download or order a Know Lung Cancer poster, take a photograph with it and share the image on social media using the official hashtags #WorldLungCancerDay and #LungCancerAwareness. The aim is to increase awareness while demonstrating the strength of the lung cancer community.

To help patients discover trusted information at key moments in their treatment journey, Know Lung Cancer is also distributing posters and information cards to lung cancer clinics, oncology centres, hospitals and professional societies. These materials direct patients and carers to educational resources covering lung cancer, treatment options, patient stories and ongoing support.

Know Lung Cancer was established in collaboration with CancerCare and brings together an international network of patient advocates, healthcare professionals and ambassadors. Its mission is to improve understanding of lung cancer worldwide by providing independent, evidence-based educational resources that are freely available to everyone.

Campaign organisers hope this year's World Lung Cancer Day will encourage more conversations about lung cancer, reduce feelings of isolation and ensure that patients and their loved ones know where to turn for trusted advice and practical support.

For more information about World Lung Cancer Day and the resources available, visit the Know Lung Cancer website https://know-lungcancer.com

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When the Pavement Becomes the Barrier: Britain's Broken Footpaths Are Failing Wheelchair and Mobility Scooter Users

For many people, a cracked pavement is nothing more than a minor annoyance. 

For someone using a wheelchair or mobility scooter, it can become an impassable obstacle, a safety hazard or even the reason they decide not to leave home at all.

After recently filming one of my YouTube journeys on a path used mobility scooter users, I was reminded yet again just how difficult getting around can be when pavements, roads and shared footpaths are poorly maintained. 

The experience highlighted a problem that affects millions of disabled people, older people and anyone with limited mobility, yet one that often goes unnoticed by those who walk these routes every day.

The law and the Highway Code expect wheelchair and mobility scooter users to travel on pavements wherever possible because they are generally safer than the road. Users are expected to travel considerately, keep speeds low and make use of dropped kerbs when crossing roads.

Unfortunately, that guidance assumes the pavement is actually usable.

In reality, many pavements resemble obstacle courses. Uneven slabs, deep potholes, broken tarmac, raised tree roots and steep cambers can make progress slow, uncomfortable and, in some cases, dangerous. 

A sudden jolt from hitting a broken surface can throw a wheelchair user forward or destabilise a mobility scooter, particularly for someone already coping with pain, balance issues or limited upper body strength.

Then there are the missing or poorly designed dropped kerbs. Having to travel hundreds of metres simply to find a safe place to cross a road is frustrating enough. Being forced onto the carriageway because there is no accessible route is something no disabled person should have to face.

Charity Scope also highlights broken pavements, potholes, blocked footways and vehicles obstructing dropped kerbs as everyday barriers that wheelchair users regularly encounter.

The impact goes beyond physical safety. Poor accessibility affects independence, confidence and mental wellbeing. Many wheelchair and scooter users carefully plan journeys in advance, avoiding certain streets entirely because they know the surfaces are too rough or hazardous. Some simply decide the journey is not worth the risk.

This becomes an equality issue. Accessible transport isn't just about buses with ramps or trains with step-free access. The humble pavement is arguably the most important part of the accessible transport network, yet it is often the most neglected.

Local authorities understandably face enormous financial pressures, but maintaining pavements should be viewed as essential infrastructure rather than cosmetic improvement. Every repaired paving slab, resurfaced footpath and properly installed dropped kerb gives someone greater freedom to work, shop, visit friends or simply enjoy being outdoors.

When councils prioritise accessible streets, everyone benefits. Parents pushing prams, people using walking frames, cyclists on shared paths, delivery workers and pedestrians all enjoy smoother, safer routes.

My YouTube video demonstrates these challenges from the perspective of someone using a mobility scooter. It offers a glimpse into obstacles that many disabled people face every single day but which able-bodied pedestrians may never notice.

Perhaps the next time we hear debates about potholes, we should remember that the discussion isn't just about protecting cars. It is also about protecting people's independence, dignity and right to move around their own communities safely.

Wild Swimming: Why the Risks Are Greater Than Many People Realise

Wild swimming has become one of the UK's fastest-growing outdoor activities. 

Social media is filled with stunning photographs of people swimming in crystal-clear lakes, secluded rivers and dramatic coastal coves, often accompanied by claims of improved mental health and a closer connection with nature.

While many people enjoy wild swimming safely, it is important to remember that natural bodies of water can present serious hazards that are very different from those found in supervised swimming pools. Before taking the plunge, it is worth understanding the potential dangers to both your physical safety and your health.

Hidden physical dangers

One of the biggest risks is that you never truly know what lies beneath the surface. Rivers and lakes can contain submerged branches, rocks, discarded shopping trolleys, fishing equipment, broken glass and other debris capable of causing serious injuries.

Water depth can also be deceptive. A seemingly calm stretch of river may become unexpectedly deep just a few metres from the bank, while hidden drop-offs can catch swimmers by surprise.

Strong currents are another major concern. Rivers may appear gentle on the surface while concealing powerful underwater currents that can quickly overwhelm even experienced swimmers. Coastal swimming brings additional hazards, including rip currents, tides and changing weather conditions that can rapidly turn a pleasant swim into an emergency.

Cold water shock is perhaps the greatest immediate danger. Even during summer, many UK lakes and rivers remain surprisingly cold. Entering cold water suddenly can trigger an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing, increased heart rate and loss of muscle control. In some cases, this can lead to drowning within minutes.

Infection risks

Natural water is rarely sterile. It can contain bacteria, viruses and parasites originating from wildlife, livestock, sewage overflows and agricultural run-off.

One of the best-known risks is Leptospirosis, also known as Weil's disease. This bacterial infection is spread through the urine of infected animals, particularly rats, and can enter the body through cuts, grazes or the eyes, nose or mouth. Early symptoms resemble flu but severe cases can damage the liver and kidneys.

Swimmers may also be exposed to bacteria such as E. coli following sewage discharges or heavy rainfall. While many strains are harmless, others can cause severe diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting.

Natural waters can also contain parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, both of which can lead to prolonged gastrointestinal illness. Swallowing even a small amount of contaminated water may be enough to cause infection.

Blue-green algae, which can develop during warm weather, pose another serious concern. Despite the name, these are actually cyanobacteria capable of producing toxins that can cause skin irritation, sickness, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, liver damage. Water affected by algal blooms may appear green, blue-green or resemble pea soup, but blooms are not always obvious.

Cuts and wounds

Even minor cuts received while swimming can become infected. Bacteria naturally present in freshwater or seawater may enter broken skin, leading to painful infections that require medical treatment. Anyone with open wounds should think carefully before entering untreated water.

Who should take extra care?

Wild swimming may be particularly risky for:

Young children

Older adults

Pregnant women

People with weakened immune systems

Anyone with heart or lung conditions

People with epilepsy or other medical conditions that could affect their safety in water

Reducing the risks

If you do decide to go wild swimming, never swim alone. Choose recognised swimming locations where water quality is monitored where possible, avoid entering the water after heavy rainfall or known sewage discharges, check for local warnings about blue-green algae, enter the water gradually to reduce the effects of cold water shock, and avoid swallowing the water. 

Shower thoroughly afterwards and seek medical advice if you develop flu-like symptoms, persistent diarrhoea or unusual skin rashes following a swim.

A balanced view

There is no doubt that many people enjoy wild swimming without incident, and some report feeling calmer and more energised afterwards. However, the potential risks should never be underestimated. Natural waters are unpredictable environments where hidden hazards, cold temperatures and harmful microorganisms can combine to create life-threatening situations.

For many people, a supervised swimming pool offers a far safer way to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of swimming without exposing themselves to the additional dangers that rivers, lakes and the sea can present.

Ultimately, if you choose to swim in the wild, make sure your decision is based on a clear understanding of the risks rather than the picture-perfect images that often appear on social media.