Health is everything, you know!
Without it, all our dreams — from making money to raising happy families — begin to crumble.
Yet, across Nigeria today, so many health myths still survive. Some have been passed down by grandparents. Others have been picked up on social media. A few even sound reasonable at first — until you look closer.
Doctors and health workers are battling every day to correct these wrong beliefs. As Dr. Chinyere Okonkwo, a public health expert in Lagos, says: “Misinformation spreads faster than the truth. It is killing more people than any single disease.”
In this article, we will bust seven popular health myths Nigerians still believe, explain why they are wrong, and what you should really do to stay healthy.
Let’s dive in!
1. Cold Water Causes Cough and Catarrh
Many Nigerians avoid cold drinks like the plague, especially during rainy season.
They believe cold water “settles” in the chest and causes cough or catarrh.
But this is simply not true.
Coughs and catarrh are caused by viruses and infections, not by cold drinks.
According to Dr. Tunji Balogun of the University College Hospital, Ibadan: “Cold water might irritate an already sore throat, but it doesn’t cause infections.”
So, if you catch a cough, blame germs, not your chilled bottle of water.
2. Malaria Must Always Be Treated with Injection
Some people believe that the only way to “cure” malaria fast is to take an injection.
Many even ask the doctor: “Doctor, abeg, just give me injection so it will leave me quick!”
In truth, malaria tablets work just as well when taken properly.
WHO guidelines actually prefer oral medications for most cases.
Only severe malaria cases require injections. And that is done under medical supervision, not “chemist injections” from unlicensed shops.
3. Shaking Hands Transmits HIV
Another myth still going strong is that HIV can be caught by shaking hands, hugging, or sharing spoons.
This is completely false.
HIV is only spread through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk — not casual contact.
As UNAIDS official Dr. Adaeze Nwankwo says: “You cannot catch HIV by hugging or sharing food with someone who has it.”
4. If a Child Has Convulsion, Put a Spoon in Their Mouth
It’s a frightening scene when a child has a convulsion.
Out of panic, many Nigerians rush to force a spoon into the child’s mouth to “stop the tongue from being swallowed.“
This is dangerous.
Doctors warn that putting anything in the mouth can cause choking, broken teeth, or worse injuries.
Instead, lay the child safely on their side and clear the area around them. Then rush to the hospital.
5. Antibiotics Cure Every Illness
“Just give me antibiotics!“
Many Nigerians believe that every fever, cough, or stomach ache needs an antibiotic.
In reality, antibiotics only fight bacterial infections — not viruses like the common cold, flu, or even malaria.
Overusing antibiotics leads to something scary called “antibiotic resistance,” where bacteria no longer respond to medicines.
The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) warns: “We are entering a post-antibiotic era where simple infections could kill if misuse continues.”
6. Pregnant Women Should Eat for Two
Old wisdom says a pregnant woman must “eat for two” — meaning double her normal meals.
But experts now advise balance, not overeating.
Eating too much unhealthy food can cause gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and big baby sizes that complicate delivery.
Pregnant women should focus on eating nutritious meals — not necessarily bigger ones.
7. Herbal Mixtures Are Safer Than Hospital Drugs
Finally, the biggest myth still floating around:
“Hospital drugs are full of chemicals. Herbs are natural, so they are safe.”
Not true.
Many herbal mixtures sold in buses and markets are unregulated.
They can contain harmful substances, cause liver damage, or react dangerously with other medicines.
As Dr. Ejiro Anabor, a toxicologist, puts it: “The fact that something is natural doesn’t mean it is safe.”
Always be careful. Consult qualified medical professionals before using any herbal remedies.
Final Thoughts
Health myths may sound harmless, but they have real consequences.
Wrong information can delay proper treatment, worsen illnesses, and even cost lives.
As Nigeria modernizes, we must let go of superstition and build a culture of scientific, fact-based health practices.
As Dr. Chinyere Okonkwo wisely said: “Good health comes from good knowledge. Ignorance is dangerous.”
Stay informed. Stay healthy. And stay safe.
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