In an age where information is at our fingertips, it’s easy to turn to the internet for health advice. In the U.S., as many as 81.5% of adults consult online sources when they’re feeling unwell. This trend isn’t limited to adults; children and teenagers are also increasingly using social media to self-diagnose mental health conditions. However, the quality of online health resources can vary wildly, often perpetuating harmful myths and inaccuracies.

To help clear the air, here are some of the most common health misconceptions shared by medical professionals:

1. Finish Your Antibiotics

One common misconception is that it’s okay to stop taking antibiotics once you start feeling better. In reality, it's crucial to complete the full course as prescribed. The initial improvement often means that most of the bacteria are gone, but some stronger ones might still be lingering. Stopping early can allow these bacteria to multiply, potentially leading to a more severe infection that’s harder to treat.

2. Mental Illness is a Disease

Mental illness is a legitimate health condition, not a personal failing. Many people suffer from depression and anxiety because they fear stigma or pride prevents them from seeking help. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Treatment can make a significant difference in managing these conditions.

3. Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism

The idea that vaccines cause autism is a debunked myth. This false belief stemmed from poorly conducted studies and has been thoroughly disproven by extensive research. Vaccines are safe and crucial for preventing many serious diseases.

4. Hospitals Aren’t Always the Best Place to Recover

A common surprise for many patients is being discharged from the hospital sooner than expected. Some assume that staying in a hospital—a controlled environment—will lead to faster recovery. In reality, hospitals can be breeding grounds for infections, and recovery at home, surrounded by your own environment, can often be safer.

5. Organ Donors Are Not Neglected in Emergencies

There’s a persistent myth that emergency medical personnel will be less likely to save someone if they are an organ donor. This is simply not true. Emergency services prioritize saving lives and do not alter their care based on organ donation status.

6. Being Cold Does Not Cause Colds

Contrary to popular belief, being cold does not cause the common cold. Colds are caused by viruses, not temperature. However, prolonged exposure to cold weather might weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.

7. Lactose Intolerance vs. Milk Allergy

Lactose intolerance and milk allergies are not the same. Lactose intolerance involves difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar in milk, leading to gastrointestinal discomfort. A milk allergy, on the other hand, is an immune reaction to milk proteins and can cause severe reactions like anaphylaxis. It’s crucial to differentiate between these conditions, especially when advising those with allergies.

8. Douching is Not Recommended

Many believe douching is a good way to maintain vaginal hygiene. However, it can disrupt the natural pH balance and increase the risk of infections. The vagina is self-cleaning, and using douches or other products can be harmful.

9. IVs and Air Bubbles

When you have an IV, there isn’t a needle constantly in your arm; it’s a flexible catheter. A few air bubbles in an IV line won’t cause harm; it takes a large amount of air to be dangerous.

10. The Flu Vaccine Cannot Give You the Flu

The flu vaccine is designed to protect against specific strains of the flu and cannot give you the flu. In rare cases, people might still get the flu if it’s caused by a strain not covered by the vaccine.

11. Migraines vs. Headaches

Migraines are much more than severe headaches. They can involve symptoms like visual disturbances, numbness, and nausea. Calling a regular headache a migraine does a disservice to those who experience true migraines.

12. The Purpose of a Defibrillator

A defibrillator doesn’t restart a stopped heart but rather resets an irregular heart rhythm. It’s also not as violent as often depicted in media; the contraction is more controlled.

13. Herbal Medications and Safety

Not all herbal medications are safe or effective. Unlike pharmaceuticals, they are not rigorously tested for safety and efficacy. Always consult a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies.

14. Ambulance Rides Don’t Guarantee Faster ER Service

Taking an ambulance to the ER doesn’t mean you’ll be seen faster. Emergency rooms prioritize patients based on the severity of their condition, not their mode of arrival.

15. Fever Reducers vs. Cure

Medications like Tylenol or Motrin only reduce symptoms like fever and do not cure the underlying illness. They are designed to manage symptoms while your body fights the infection.