Common Misconceptions About Allergies Logically Examined, Explained, and Debunked

In the Mental Floss video “Misconceptions about Allergies“, host Elliot Morgan lists the most commonly held beliefs about allergies and examines, explains, and debunks each misconception in a logical manner.

Misconception number seven: allergic reactions come from allergens. You can actually blame your own immune system for those pesky hives. Once your body inhales, eats or comes into contact with the allergen, the immune system misidentifies it as this harmful substance. Then it makes antibodies which attack the allergen. So the allergen isn’t attacking your body, it’s actually the other way around.

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.