Published March 16, 2026
People of all ages use social media like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter (now called X) to share videos about new trends or to invite or “challenge” others to do a specific act. Sometimes, these trends or challenges are for a charity (i.e., Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS) or just to have fun. But sometimes these challenges can be dangerous. They can lead to serious injuries or health concerns. In fact, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had warned about the dangers of challenges involving medicines – one with over-the-counter cold medicine; and one known as the “Benadryl Challenge” which resulted in a number of teens needing emergency hospital care and some even died.
Recently, we learned that some challenges are taking place in hospitals. For example, a nurse was going to check on a patient. When they entered the patient’s room, the nurse saw a live goldfish swimming around in an intravenous (IV) fluid bag! Fortunately, the IV bag had been disconnected from the patient.
The nurse talked to the patient and family members about the event. They found out a family member had brought the fish into the hospital, opened the IV bag, put the fish in, and closed the bag with tape. They also found out that this is a trend going around on TikTok. This event caused a lot of concern at the hospital. For example, if the IV tubing had been attached and the fluid was being given to the patient, this could have put the patient at risk of getting an infection. The patient could have become very sick as a result.
Here’s what you can do: It is important to know that copying these trends or attempting these challenges can cause harm, whether they are done at home, in the hospital, or any other setting. Trying out viral challenges with medicine, fluids, or hospital equipment is not safe. If you have questions about something you see online, especially if it is related to medicine or healthcare, ask a nurse, doctor, or pharmacist. They will tell you what is safe. The most important thing is to keep patients safe and healthy. And never try online challenges in the hospital.
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