11 Public Health Myths That Spread Fast (and What’s Actually True)

Public health myths travel quickly in South Africa, especially in WhatsApp family groups. They often arrive as a voice note, a screenshot, or a “forwarded many times” message that sounds confident and caring. And to be fair, they usually come from a good place. Someone is trying to help a loved one, warn the community, or share what worked for them. The problem is that health information is not like gossip. When the message is wrong, it does not just waste time. It can delay proper care, cause unnecessary worry, and sometimes push people into choices that do more harm than good.

I am not here to shame anyone, because honestly, we have all been there. You read something, it feels urgent, and you think, “Let me send this to my family just in case.” That instinct is human. But public health is built on patterns, not single stories. One person’s experience can be real and still not apply to the next person. So the goal of this article is simple: slow the spread, replace panic with calm clarity, and give you practical ways to tell the difference between a helpful health message and a risky myth. Think of it as a small toolkit for your phone, the same way you keep emergency numbers saved, even if you rarely use them.

Medical note: This is general information, not medical advice. If someone is very unwell, symptoms are severe, or things are worsening quickly, go to the nearest emergency unit or call local emergency services.

Why myths spread so fast

Myths spread because they give certainty when health feels uncertain. Long queues, confusing referrals, and costs make people desperate for shortcuts. A confident voice note can feel more trustworthy than a leaflet. They also spread because stories stick. “My cousin did this and it worked” lands harder than a careful explanation. Stories matter, but they are not the same as reliable evidence.

Myth 1: “Antibiotics fix colds and flu”

Antibiotics do not work on viruses like colds and flu. Some people still expect them, especially when they feel miserable. Health authorities warn that unnecessary antibiotics can drive antibiotic resistance. What is actually true is simpler. Many viral illnesses improve with rest, fluids, and symptom relief advice. If symptoms are severe, last unusually long, or worsen, a clinician should assess you.

Myth 2: “Green mucus means I need antibiotics”

Green or yellow mucus can happen in viral infections too, not only bacterial ones. Public health messaging has warned that colour alone does not prove you need antibiotics. What matters more is the whole picture. How long you have been sick, how you are breathing, and whether you are getting worse. A clinic assessment beats guessing from mucus colour.

Myth 3: “If the doctor won’t give antibiotics, they don’t care”

This one is painful, because it often comes from bad experiences. But refusing antibiotics is not the same as refusing care. It can be good clinical practice, especially for viral illness. If you feel dismissed, try a different approach. Ask, “What do you think this is likely to be?” and “What warning signs should make me come back?” That usually gets clearer, kinder answers.

Myth 4: “Vaccines cause autism”

This myth refuses to die, even though it has been studied repeatedly. In December 2025, WHO’s vaccine safety committee reaffirmed there is no causal link between vaccines and autism. What is actually true is that vaccine questions are normal. If you feel anxious, ask your clinic nurse to explain benefits and risks in plain language. A calm conversation beats late-night scrolling.

Myth 5: “If I got sick after a vaccine, the vaccine caused it”

After vaccination, some people feel tired, achy, or feverish. That can be part of the body’s immune response. Timing alone does not prove cause, even when it feels convincing. What helps is simple tracking. Note the day, symptoms, and how long they lasted. If you are worried, report it to a clinician, and ask what is expected and what is not.

Myth 6: “You can stop TB treatment when you feel better”

TB treatment must be completed as prescribed. Stopping early can lead to relapse and drug-resistant TB, which is harder to treat. This message is repeated in global TB guidance. What is actually true is that adherence can be tough. Side effects, transport, work, stigma, and forgetfulness are real barriers. If you struggle, speak to the clinic team early, not later.

Myth 7: “Hand sanitiser is always better than handwashing”

Hand sanitiser is useful, but soap and water remains the best option in most situations. The CDC notes handwashing is best, and sanitiser is helpful when soap and water are unavailable. What is actually true is about technique. With sanitiser, cover all hand surfaces and rub until dry. With soap, scrub for long enough. When hands are visibly dirty, choose soap and water.

Myth 8: “Detox products remove toxins from your body”

Detox culture sells a story: you are “dirty”, and a product will “clean” you. Your body already has systems for this, mainly the liver and kidneys. Marketing often exaggerates need. What is actually true is that lifestyle basics do more than most detox products. Sleep, hydration, fibre, movement, and reducing alcohol support health. It is boring, yes, but consistently helpful.

Myth 9: “Natural remedies are always safe”

Natural does not automatically mean safe. Some herbal supplements can interact with medicines, reducing effects or increasing side effects. The NIH’s NCCIH warns that herb and medicine interactions can be harmful. What is actually true is that you can use traditional remedies and still be honest with your clinician. Say what you take and how often. That information helps them avoid risky combinations.

Myth 10: “Public hospitals are where you catch illnesses, so avoid them”

Hospitals do have germs, because sick people go there. But avoiding needed care can be far riskier than attending. Infection prevention is part of routine care in health facilities. What is actually true is that you can reduce risk with simple steps. Clean hands, avoid touching your face, wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms, and follow staff instructions in waiting areas.

Myth 11: “If it’s not painful, it’s not serious”

Pain is important, but it is not the only warning sign. Some serious problems start quietly, while some painful problems are not emergencies. That is why assessment focuses on more than pain. What is actually true is that sudden change matters. Breathing difficulty, weakness, confusion, collapse, severe dehydration, or a baby not feeding are red flags. If you are worried, seek urgent assessment.

How to respond when a myth lands in your inbox

First, pause. The emotion in the message is part of the design. Ask yourself, “Who wrote this, and what do they want me to do?” Urgency without a source is a warning sign. Second, choose one calm action. You can ignore it, ask for a credible source, or reply with a short correction. You do not need an argument, just a gentle reset.

A simple truth-check you can use every time

Look for information from trusted health bodies, universities, or recognised health services. Check whether more than one credible source says the same thing. Then check the date, because guidance can evolve. If you are still unsure, use your clinic, pharmacist, or a trusted healthcare professional as a filter. Take the message in, ask one clear question, and share the answer back.

In South Africa, the system has levels for a reason: clinic, CHC, district hospital, regional, and tertiary. Myths often spread when people feel bounced between levels without explanation. If you feel stuck, ask directly, “What is the plan from here?” and “When should I return, and where?” Clarity reduces fear, and fear is where myths thrive. Public health is not only policies and posters. It is also what we forward, what we repeat, and what we normalise at home. Small decisions, repeated, can shift a whole community.