There are a number of myths when it comes to medicine – what works, what doesn’t, what’s safe and what isn’t.
Recently, one Austin-area family medicine physician penned a blog post for Baylor Scott & White, sharing some of the most frequent misconceptions she hears from patients and setting the record straight.
The first myth is regarding the use of antibiotics in treating infections and illness.
Antibiotics can only be used to treat bacterial infections – not viral infections, such as the flu.
The unnecessary use of antibiotics can lead to side effects or even resistance to antibiotic medications.
The second myth she frequently hears is that the flu vaccine can give you the flu.
The flu vaccine is not a live virus, so it cannot give anyone the flu.
A third misconception is regarding the use and effectiveness of antidepressants.
Antidepressants aren’t just for people who are depressed.
They also are commonly used to treat individuals with anxiety, since the chemicals in the body triggering depression and anxiety are similar.
Also, just because antidepressants may not have worked for someone in the past, doesn’t mean they won’t work if tried again.
A final assumption she says patients often make is that natural supplements are always safe.
In actuality, herbal supplements and vitamins can interact with medications or impact certain medical conditions in different ways, which is why it’s important to discuss them with your doctor before you start taking them.
In fact, discussing any health-related questions or concerns with your doctor is the foundation for all good medicine.
