Bacteria and viruses live along side us in this world. Many of them are very helpful (like curd bacteria) others are very harmful. A lot of people develop various phobias because of their deadly nature. We also have developed some routine habits like washing our hands before eating, after taking a dump, taking a bath everyday etc because of them. But there are many myths floating about them in the general public. It's time now to debunk each of them!
Myth 1: I am a healthy person, I don't need vaccines
You don't have to be a weak person to get a virus infection. Viruses can attack even the healthiest of people. Vaccines are safe and effective, and give your immune system a mild dosage of the same virus which it can cope up with and be prepared to fight when required.
Myth 2: Cold and flu medications always work
Well, this is not true. Because although scientists are developing new ways of countering cold and flu, the medications that are currently available only help make the symptoms more bearable until your body's immune system is able to fight off the virus. Furthermore, most coughs, and sore throats and all colds and flus are caused by viruses so antibiotics will not work.
Myth 3: If I feel better, I can stop taking antibiotics
Some antibiotics are very strong and can give you instant results. But that doesn't mean you should stop taking them once you are feeling better. The attack may happen again as soon as the antibiotics are stopped. So make sure you complete your course as suggested by the doctor.
Myth 4: If my temperature is not that high, I don't need to worry
An above normal temperature is also a sign that your body is fighting with an infection. Do not ignore any such signs and stay at home and have some rest. Contact your health care provider if your symptoms are worrisome.
Myth 5: One can't avoid Superbugs
Superbugs may be resistant to a lot of antibiotics but they can be avoided by maintaining a good hygiene. So by washing your hands with an alcohol based sanitizer you can certainly keep them at bay just as well as other bacteria and viruses.
Myth 6: I need to clean my dishes with anti-bacterial soap
That is bit pushing too much. You will do just fine by using a normal soap and washing them thoroughly and then wiping them so there is no moisture left. Overuse of antibacterial soaps and detergents can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bugs in the environment, which can then cause hard-to-treat infections.
Myth 7: Unpasteurized milk is better
Many raw milk advocates claim that the pasteurization process destroys the nutritional value of milk. They also claim that raw milk contains antibacterial components that render pasteurization unnecessary. However, there is no documented proof for such claims. Studies have found only minor nutritional differences between raw and pasteurized milk, which are insignificant. In fact unpasteurized milk may contain a lot of bacteria which can put you at risk.
Myth 8: Going outside with wet hair can give you cold
False. It's a warning that's been passed from one generation of parents to the next. Wet hair cannot cause any virus to enter into your body. The only way to get a cold is from an infected person, which you are more likely to come in contact with when sitting in enclosed spaces with the air conditioning blowing your sneezed up virus around the place.
Myth 9: Cold kills bacteria
Cold doesn't kill bacteria; it just slows down the multiplication process. Once the temperature is restored they will become active again. Cold just hibernates them for a while.
Myth 10: All bacteria are bad
Not all of them are bad. There are only a handful of them that can affect human health negatively. There are other bacteria that we actually need and are good for us like curd bacteria and some bacteria in the stomach (Lactobacillus in the intestines which help us digest food). In fact, majority of the varieties of bacteria are neither good nor bad for humans.
The most effective thing you can do in the battle against bacteria and viruses is to maintain a proper hygiene and encourage others to do so as well.
