People are sharing more health-related information than ever on the internet. Whether it is through social media or another medium, adults are connecting and exchanging all sorts of healthcare updates, news, and stories they have heard.

While being a more proactive healthcare consumer is generally good, misinformation can get shared quickly if people don’t fact check common urgent care or public health myths. Taking a public health myth at face value can be extremely dangerous for you or your family. Sometimes these myths are the direct opposite of clinic recommendations for common treatments.

Below we’ve compiled a list of common urgent care and public health myths that could be detrimental to your health.

Myth #1: Vaccinating your child is unsafe and can lead to autism

One of the most controversial public health myths is that vaccinating your infant or child can lead to autism or get your child sick. This myth is completely false and has been debunked by various healthcare organizations and autism experts:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasize that there is no link between autism and vaccinations under any circumstances. Additionally, the ingredients in vaccinations don’t cause autism.
• The Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center explains that there is no link between vaccinations and autism and that signs of autism become apparent at varying points in a child’s lifetime.
• Autism Speaks, one of the nation’s leading autism awareness organizations, breaks down many of the biological factors of autism such as pregnancy complications, advanced ages of pregnant mothers, and frequent pregnancies. Autism is not a risk factor for autism.

Lately, anti-vaxxing campaigns and attitudes against vaccinations helped spur measles outbreaks across the Northwestern U.S and even California. Consequently, the demand for vaccinations has skyrocketed in recent months.

Make sure that your children receive their recommended vaccinations according to guidelines shared by your primary care provider. Additionally, a child can receive any updated vaccinations at most urgent care centers.

Myth #2: The flu vaccine can get an individual sick or ill in someway

Many adults in the U.S. may also find rumors that a flu shot (vaccination) can cause a person to get the flu or become sick. However, this is also an erroneous myth.

The CDC explains that flu vaccines are some of the best ways to prevent influenza and that a vaccine cannot get a person sick. Additionally, the flu can lead to serious health complications among individuals with weakened medical states and chronic diseases like diabetes.

If you haven’t got your flu vaccine, make sure you do before the peak of flu season hits your community!

Myth #3: Getting cold doesn’t lead to a cold

Another popular healthcare myth is that cold temperatures by themselves cause individuals to get a cold or sickness. This is another popular myth that has been frequently debunked by healthcare experts and leading organizations.

For example, the New York Times asked medical directors about this myth and found that cold weather does not contribute to the flu. However, cold weather does weaken the immune system and humidity allows a rhinovirus like the common cold to last longer in the air.

Whenever you’re sharing or reading about public health information online always make sure to do a quick fact check!