List of Debunked Myths

General
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  1. You must complete a full course of antibiotics, even if you feel better.
    ➤ EBM says: For many infections, shorter courses (3–5 days) are just as effective and reduce resistace. Overtreating can actually do more harm.
  2. High fevers cause brain damage.
    ➤ EBM says: Fevers under 41°C (105.8°F) from infections don’t damage the brain. Febrile seizures look scary but are usually benign.
  3. IV fluids always mean faster recovery.
    ➤ EBM says: Overuse of IV fluids, especially in dengue, heart failure, or sepsis, can worsen outcomes. Oral rehydration is often safer and just as effective.
  4. Cough suppressants are effective in children.
    ➤ EBM says: Most OTC cough syrups don’t work in kids and may cause harm. Honey (for age >1 year) is often more effeective and safer.
  5. You need annual full-body checkups and scans.
    ➤ EBM says: Routine imaging (like chest X-rays or whole-body CTs) in healthy people often finds harmless things (incidentalomas) that lead to unnecessary worry or surgery.
  6. Vitamin D and calcium prevent fractures in all adults.
    ➤ EBM says: Supplementation helps in elderly at risk, but routine use in healthy young adults shows no significant benefit for bones.
  7. Antibiotics help in viral illnesses ‘just in case’.
    ➤ EBM says: Antibiotics don’t help viral infections and increase resistance, side effects, and C. difficile risk.
  8. Ulcers are caused by stress and spicy food.
    ➤ EBM says: The majority are caused by Helicobacter pylori or NSAID overuse not stress or food.
  9. Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis.
    ➤ EBM says: No evidence supports this. It’s harmless
  10. Detox diets help clean your system.
    ➤ EBM says: Your liver and kidneys already do the detoxing. Most detox plans are pseudoscience.
  11. Natural means safe.
    ➤ EBM says: Hemlock, arsenic, and snake venom are natural. “Natural” isn’t the same as safe or effective.
  12. Sugar makes kids hyperactive.
    ➤ EBM says: Controlled trials show no consistent link. The belief persists due to confirmation bias.
  13. Drink 8 glasses of water a day.
    ➤ EBM says: Hydration needs vary. Thirst is a reliable guide. Too much water can be harmful (hyponatremia).
  14. MRI is dangerous for pacemakers.
    ➤ EBM says: Modern pacemakers and defibrillators are increasingly MRIcompatible with proper precautions.
  15. You should keep wounds dry for faster healing.
    ➤ EBM says: Moist wound healing promotes faster epithelialization and less scarring than dry dressings.
5 Likes
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Yes people should spead right information

3

well explained

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Informative

5

Insightful . Thanks for sharing.

6

Thank you for this information, it really important for such awarness. Some more I know are

Pus means you need antibiotics.
➤ EBM says: Drainage is often enough. Not all pus needs antibiotics.

Bed rest is best for back pain.
➤ EBM says: Too much rest slows recovery. Gentle movement helps more.

Green mucus = bacterial infection.
➤ EBM says: Not true. Colored mucus is common in viral colds too.

1 Like
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Explained very well, these common myths should be debunked and we should relearn the correct things