There are a lot of misconceptions out there about curable diseases. They could be preventing you from seeking treatment or even getting better. Here are five myths about curable diseases that you should know about:
Myth #1: Curable diseases are always caused by viruses
Wrong! While viruses are a common cause of curable diseases, they are not the only cause. Bacteria, fungi, and parasites can also cause curable diseases. Additionally, some curable diseases are caused by lifestyle choices or environmental factors, including smoking, poor diet, and exposure to certain toxins.
To be cured, it is important to identify the cause of the disease. Treatments for viral diseases will not work on diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Similarly, lifestyle changes may be necessary to cure a disease caused by smoking or a poor diet.
Myth #2: If you have a curable disease, you will get better with treatment
Not necessarily! While treatment can cure many people of their disease, there is no guarantee that it will work for everyone. In some cases, the disease may be too far along, or the person may have another medical condition that makes treatment less effective. For example, cancer may be difficult to treat if it has spread to other body parts. Additionally, some people cannot take specific medications due to either allergies or other health issues.
Talking to your doctor about your treatment options and what you can expect is important. They will be able to tell you if there is a chance that your disease is not curable or if treatment may not be effective.
Myth #3: People with curable diseases always have symptoms
Not true! Many people with curable diseases are asymptomatic, meaning they do not experience any symptoms. This is one of the reasons why it is so important to get regular checkups and screenings, even if you feel perfectly healthy. For example, some types of cancer can be detected early through screenings when they are most likely curable.
Other curable diseases that don’t have symptoms are latent, which means they can become active anytime. For example, latent tuberculosis is a curable disease. Still, it can cause serious symptoms like coughing and fever if it becomes active.
Suppose you think you may have a curable disease. In that case, it is important to talk to your doctor, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms. They can order the appropriate tests and screenings to make a diagnosis.
Myth #4: There is no such thing as a cured person with curable disease.
Wrong again! While it is true that some people need lifelong treatment to keep their disease under control, many have been cured of their disease and no longer need treatment. A great example is someone who has been treated for cancer and is in remission. While they may need to be monitored closely, they are considered cured.
Lyme disease is also considered curable if it is caught early and treated with antibiotics. However, some people may continue to experience symptoms even after treatment. This is known as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS). Hyperthermia treatment for Lyme disease also shows promise as a potential cure by killing the bacteria that cause the disease. This is a great breakthrough not only for Lyme disease but also for cancer without having to perform surgery.
Myth #5: There is nothing you can do to prevent curable diseases
Not true! While there is no guaranteed way to prevent all curable diseases, there are things you can do to lower your risk. For example, getting vaccinated against viruses such as HPV, influenza, and hepatitis can help reduce your risk of developing a disease. You can also lower your risk by avoiding exposure to toxins, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Additionally, quitting smoking and using alcohol in moderation can help reduce your risk of developing a curable disease.
Myth #6: There is no such thing as a natural cure for curable diseases
This one is half true. People claim many things can cure disease, but no scientific evidence supports most of these claims. However, some natural treatments are effective in treating certain diseases. For example, ginger is effective in treating nausea and vomiting. Garlic also has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Additionally, green tea has been shown to have anticancer properties.
While these are not guaranteed cures for any disease, natural treatments can be a helpful complement to conventional medical treatment and manage symptoms and side effects. Talking to your doctor before starting any new treatment is important, especially if you take other medications.
With all this being said, it’s time to bust some myths! Curable diseases are not always deadly. People with curable diseases can live long and healthy lives. It’s just a matter of getting the right diagnosis and treatment. So don’t be discouraged if you or a loved one is diagnosed with a curable disease. There is hope!
