Antibiotics
When They Work
- Antibiotics only work against bacteriaⓘ
- Most respiratory infections are viral
- Bacterial infections: strep throat, UTIs, some ear infections, pneumonia (sometimes)
Common Misuse
- Many people take antibiotics for viral infections[2]
- Antibiotics are sometimes provided without proper indication[3]
- Patient pressure contributes to overprescription[4]
Why This Matters
Warning: Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health crisis. Every unnecessary dose contributes to bacteria evolving resistance.
- Complete your full course even if you feel better
- Never use leftover antibiotics or share them
- Ask your doctor if antibiotics are truly necessary
Painkillers
How They Actually Work
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen)ⓘ
- Ibuprofen/NSAIDsⓘ
- Aspirinⓘ
Common Myths
Myth: Stronger painkillers are always better
Reality: Paracetamol + ibuprofen together often works better than codeine. Stronger isn't always more effective for your type of pain.
Reality: Paracetamol + ibuprofen together often works better than codeine. Stronger isn't always more effective for your type of pain.
Myth: You should wait until pain is bad before taking painkillers
Reality: Pain is easier to prevent than to stop. Taking medication early is often more effective.
Reality: Pain is easier to prevent than to stop. Taking medication early is often more effective.
Rebound Headaches
- Taking painkillers too often can cause headachesⓘ
Vitamins & Supplements
The Supplement Industry
Myth: Everyone should take a daily multivitamin
Reality: Vitamin supplements often don't improve health outcomes in well-nourished people[9]. Exceptions: pregnant women, people with documented deficiencies, some elderly.
Reality: Vitamin supplements often don't improve health outcomes in well-nourished people[9]. Exceptions: pregnant women, people with documented deficiencies, some elderly.
Specific Vitamins
- Vitamin Dⓘ
- Vitamin Cⓘ
- Vitamin K supplementation has limited benefit for bone health[12]
When Supplements Help
- Documented deficiency (confirmed by blood test)
- Pregnancy (folic acid, sometimes iron)
- Strict vegans (B12)
- Specific medical conditions
- NOT as insurance against poor diet
General Principles
Medicine Safety
- Read the label and follow dosage instructions
- Dont mix medications without checking interactions
- Store medicines properly and check expiration dates
- Tell doctors about all medications you're taking
When to See a Doctor
- Symptoms persist or worsen despite self-treatment
- Fever lasting more than a few days
- Severe or unusual pain
- Any concerning symptoms
Red Flags for Quackery
Warning: Be skeptical of products that: claim to cure everything, use testimonials instead of evidence, attack mainstream medicine, are only sold through special channels, or require you to stop regular treatment.
---
References
- Hallit S, et al. (2020). Association of knowledge and beliefs with the misuse of antibiotics in parents: A study in Beirut. PLOS ONE. [DOI]
- El-Nimr N, et al. (2019). A cross-sectional national survey of community pharmacy staff: Knowledge and antibiotic provision. PLOS ONE. [DOI]
- Chandar B, et al. (2021). Factors determining antibiotic use in the general population: A qualitative study in India. PLOS ONE. [DOI]
- Autier P, et al. (2017). Non-skeletal health effects of vitamin D supplementation: A systematic review on findings from meta-analyses summarizing trial data. PLOS ONE. [DOI]
- Cheung AM, et al. (2008). Vitamin K Supplementation in Postmenopausal Women with Osteopenia (ECKO Trial). PLOS Medicine. [DOI]