Joe Chow, MD
You may have believed these myths to be true for your entire life! Now, our own Dr. Joe Chow takes on some common medical myths.
MYTH: The flu shot can give you the flu.
Truth: Flu shots are inactivated viruses and cannot give you the flu. People may experience other side effects from the flu shot, such as localized pain at the injection site; but we repeat — you cannot get the flu from the flu shot.
MYTH: If you see green, you need antibiotics.
Truth: We raise a red flag on this! Anything that sits around for too long in a moist, dark area — including the inside of your nose — will turn green. Green drainage from your nose can be caused by viruses, and viruses do not respond to antibiotics!
MYTH: The white stuff on my throat means I have strep.
Truth: This is a white lie! When you have a sore throat, the white stuff you see can be caused by a virus, such as mono, or it could be debris in the tonsils. So, don’t jump to conclusions about your diagnosis before being properly evaluated by a doctor.