Anti-infection treatment has always been of great importance in the vast area of health care. However, due to the complexity of the dissemination of information and the limitations of public awareness, there are rumours and rumours of anti-infection, which not only mislead patients and their families in their treatment options but also pose a potential threat to public health security. This paper aims to reveal common misconceptions and rumours in the area of anti-infection by sharing several typical cases, with a view to providing the public with the right knowledge orientation to promote health literacy.
Case I: Antibiotic abuse and the myth of “a panacea”
Mr. Zhang went to the community hospital for a common cold and, without a pathological test, the doctor issued a wide spectrum of antibiotics. Mr. Zhang mistakenly assumed that antibiotics were a “one-size-fits-all drug” for treatment, and then extended their own time, even leaving the remaining drugs in reserve. Shortly afterwards, Mr. Zhang was treated for adverse medical reactions and it was found that he had developed resistance to various antibiotics in his body.
Misdialysis: Antibiotics are drugs for the treatment of bacterial infections, and the flu caused by viruses such as influenza virus is ineffective. The abuse of antibiotics is not only incurable, but can also disrupt the internal microbial balance, leading to increased resistance and making future treatment difficult.
Rumours have clarified that antibiotics are not a panacea, that their use should be based on medical advice, that selection is strictly based on pathogen tests and the sensitivity of the drug, and that unnecessary use of the drug is avoided.
Case II: Home-owned antibiotics, self-treated
Ms. Lee’s family has a variety of antibiotics on a permanent basis, and whenever her family suffers from fever, cough, etc., she chooses antibiotics for her own treatment based on past experience. On one occasion, her child remained in a state of high fever due to pneumonia streptocyccus infections, and Ms. Lee continued to use her home-backed antibiotics, which did not improve, but instead increased, leading to urgent hospital treatment.
Misdiagnosis: Different antibiotics have different microbicides or microbicides for different pathogens, and self-selection of antibiotics can lead to maltreatment and delay. In addition, the lack of professional storage conditions for home-owned antibiotics can lead to drug failure or adverse reactions.
Rumours have clarified that it is not desirable for a family to have its own antibiotics and that, in case of an infectious disease, it should be provided in a timely manner, following the diagnosis and treatment advice of a specialist.
Case III: Refusal of vaccination, fear of infection
Auntie Wang is sceptical about vaccination, which increases the risk of infection. Not only did she herself refuse to be vaccinated against influenza, pneumonia, etc., but she also discouraged family members from being vaccinated. Last year ‘ s flu season, Aunt Wang contracted influenza because she had not been vaccinated and developed into acute pneumonia, where she was hospitalized for many days.
Misdialysis: Vaccination is an effective means of preventing infectious diseases and reducing the risk of infection by stimulating the body to create immunity. Refusal to inoculate not only cannot protect itself, but can also be a risk to the spread of the disease.
Rumours have clarified that vaccination is safe and its benefits outweigh potential risks. Vaccination is particularly important for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, chronically ill, etc.
Case IV: Neglect of personal hygiene and false belief in “natural therapy”
Zhao, who was infected with the virus during a group event, heard that certain “natural therapies” (e.g., licorice, garlic, etc.) could cure the infection, rejected the doctor’s offer of treatment and insisted on using it. As a result, Zhao ‘ s condition has not been alleviated and instead he has been admitted to hospital for serious dehydration symptoms.
Misdialysis: Personal hygiene practices are the basis for the prevention of infectious diseases, while “natural therapy” often lacks a scientific basis and can delay formal treatment and exacerbate conditions.
Rumours have clarified that maintaining good hygiene practices, such as hand washing, masking and avoiding close contact with patients, is an effective way of preventing infectious diseases. The treatment of infectious diseases should be based on a scientific and normative approach.
Through the above-mentioned case-analysis, it is not difficult to discern the importance of sound health knowledge dissemination and scientific medical practices in improving public health and reducing the incidence and spread of infectious diseases. Therefore, all sectors of society should work together to strengthen health education, raise public awareness of the importance of combating infection and together create a healthier and safe living environment.
