The Regional Hospital of Málaga has raised alarms over the health risks associated with viral social media challenges, specifically highlighting the 'paracetamol challenge'. This trend reportedly involves adolescents consuming significant doses of paracetamol, sometimes up to ten grams, which can result in severe poisoning. A series of such cases have been reported at the hospital in recent weeks, requiring hospitalization for the affected minors, but fortunately, no fatalities have occurred yet.

Dr. Silvia Oliva, an emergency pediatrician at the hospital, emphasized the serious health implications of these viral challenges. Many children are engaging in these dangerous 'games' involving common household medications like fever reducers and painkillers, leading to potential life-threatening outcomes. The hospital's warnings are part of a broader effort to inform parents and guardians about the risks, stressing that even seemingly harmless medications can cause significant harm if misused.

The situation underscores a growing concern among healthcare professionals regarding the influence of social media on youth behavior. With the accessibility of over-the-counter medications, children may not fully comprehend the dangers of consuming large quantities as part of a challenge. The hospital urges the public to take these warnings seriously and keep potentially dangerous substances out of reach of children to prevent further incidents.