Health myths are widespread, deeply
rooted in culture and increasingly amplified by social media and informal
advice. They influence how people use medicines, trust vaccines, choose home
remedies and interact with healthcare providers, often leading to delayed
treatment, complications and preventable deaths.
This write-up examines 10 common health
myths in Pakistan, explains what the science actually says, and offers clear,
evidence-based guidance to support safer decisions for you and your family.
1. Self-medication is harmless if I
know the symptoms
What does science say?
Studies show that the prevalence of self-medication in Pakistan is very high (pooled estimate around 60% in recent meta-analyses), much higher than in many developed countries. Research from Pakistani outpatient clinics links self-medication with adverse reactions, drug interactions and increased antibiotic resistance.
The WHO and other global
bodies warn that unsupervised use of medicines is a major driver of
antimicrobial resistance and treatment failures.
Risks of believing this myth
- Incorrect diagnosis and delay in proper
treatment
- Dangerous drug interactions (e.g.,
painkillers with blood thinners)
- Masking serious conditions like a heart
attack or meningitis
- Contribution to antimicrobial resistance,
making common infections harder to treat.
Evidence-based guidance
- Always consult a qualified doctor for new,
persistent or severe symptoms.
- Do not reuse old prescriptions or share
medicines within the family.
- Ask your pharmacist about side effects and
interactions if a doctor has prescribed multiple drugs.
- Use over-the-counter medicines (e.g.,
paracetamol) only according to recommended doses and not for prolonged
periods without medical review.
1/10 – To be continued
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
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