Despite its growing popularity and clinical effectiveness, phage therapy still harbors numerous myths and misconceptions. This often hinders its use, especially among parents who are wary of using bacteriophages on children or among people accustomed to relying solely on antibiotics. Let's debunk the most common myths about phages—scientifically, simply, and to the point.

Myth 1: Bacteriophages are dangerous because they are viruses.

One of the most common fears is that "viruses are always bad." Parents, hearing that phages are viruses, automatically associate them with the flu, coronavirus, or other pathogens. However, in this case, they are not enemies, but allies.

Bacteriophages are viruses that infect only bacteria. They pose no threat to human cells, do not replicate in our bodies, do not penetrate DNA, and do not cause disease. In contrast, phages destroy pathogenic bacteria, are often more effective than antibiotics, and do not cause side effects.

This myth is rooted in a lack of information, as phage therapy was little discussed while antibiotics were considered a universal panacea. Today, with the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, phages are making a comeback as a viable alternative.

Myth 2: Phage therapy is an outdated method from the past.

Some believe that bacteriophage treatment is a thing of the past, claiming that modern medicine has long since moved on to other technologies. This is a mistake. In fact, phages have been used since the early 20th century, but their use was indeed limited by the dominance of antibiotics.

Today, the situation has changed dramatically. Dozens of studies are being conducted in the United States, Germany, France, Poland, and, of course, Ukraine, to study the effectiveness of phages against antibiotic-resistant infections. Specialized phage therapy centers operate in Georgia and Poland. Furthermore, a number of phage-based medications for both adults and children have already been registered in Ukraine.

Modern phage therapy is not an experiment, but a scientifically proven, safe and promising treatment option.

Myth 3: Phages don't work as fast as antibiotics.

Another common belief is that phages take longer to work, so it's better to immediately treat acute infections with antibiotics. This isn't entirely true.

Bacteriophages begin to act almost immediately after entering the body or the site of infection. They recognize the target bacteria, penetrate it, and initiate a replication cycle. The result is the destruction of the pathogen. With the correct phage selection (often determined based on bacterial culture results), the effect can be noticeable within 12–24 hours of treatment.

Moreover, these viruses not only destroy bacteria but can also replicate at the site of infection, naturally enhancing their effects. Antibiotics, however, require a certain concentration in the blood to be effective, and their mechanism of action is non-specific.

Myth 4: Bacteriophage medications should not be given to children

Some parents are wary of using bacteriophages for children, believing that their bodies are too sensitive for such treatment. In fact, the opposite is true. Phages are very well tolerated even by infants because:

• do not have a toxic effect;

• do not disturb the microflora;

• do not cause addiction or allergies in most cases;

• do not suppress the immune system.

Many pediatricians in Ukraine are already including phage preparations in the complex treatment of intestinal, urological, and respiratory infections.

The only thing that truly matters is the correct selection of the bacteriophage. This is why phage therapy should be prescribed by a doctor, preferably after bacterial susceptibility testing.

Thus, most myths about phage therapy arise from a lack of information or a simplified understanding of its mechanism of action. In fact, it is a scientifically proven method that is actively developing and regaining its rightful place in medicine. Phage-based products are already successfully used in pediatrics, gastroenterology, surgery, and infectious diseases.

Myths remain myths, but bacteriophages offer a real chance in the fight against infections that do not respond to traditional treatment.