Myths vs Facts About the Coronavirus

As the coronavirus continues to make the news, a host of untruths has surrounded the topic. 

While there is a lot of information circulating about the disease it is important to address the conspiracies and myths in order to clarify the misinformation emerging online. I have gathered some myths that are prevalent and that should not be listened to. 

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Myth: A vaccine is coming soon! 

Truth: Unfortunately there is no vaccine for the new coronavirus right now. Although scientists have been working on it and are trying to develop an effective and safe cure. 

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Myth: You can protect yourself from COVID-19 by swallowing or gargling with bleach, taking acetic acid or steroids, or using essential oils, salt water, ethanol or other substances. 

Truth: The truth is none of these recommendations protect you from the COVID 19 virus and some of these practices can be dangerous if applied. 

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Myth: Ordering or buying products shipped from China will make a person sick. 

Truth: While researchers are studying the new coronavirus to grasp how it infects people it has been noted that viruses like this do not stay alive very long on surfaces, so it is not likely you would get COVID-19 from a package that was in transit for days or weeks. 

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Myth: ​Only older adults and young people are at risk. 

Truth: SARS-CoV-2, like other coronaviruses, can infect people of any age. However, older adults or individuals with preexisting health conditions, such as diabetes or asthma, are more likely to become severely ill. 

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Myth: A face mask can protect you from the coronavirus. 

Truth: For the general public who do not have respiratory diseases are not recommended to wear disposable face masks but professionals who are working at hospitals should wear masks to lessen their chance of infecting the patients they are treating. 

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Myth: COVID-19 is just like the flu 

Truth: The coronavirus indeed has flu-like symptoms, such as aches, fever, and cough. Similarly, both COVID-19 and flu can be mild, severe, or, in rare cases, fatal. However, the overall profile of COVID-19 is more serious. Estimates vary, but its mortality rate seems to be between about 1% and 3%. 

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Myth: If you have the coronavirus “You’ll know” 

Truth: No, you won't. COVID-19 causes a wide range of symptoms, many of which appear in other respiratory illnesses such as the flu and the common cold. Specifically, common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and difficulty breathing, and rarer symptoms include dizziness, nausea, vomiting and a runny nose. So the only way to be sure is to get tested at a hospital if you are suspecting that you have caught the virus. 

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Myth: Hot weather kills it! 

Truth: From the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather. Regardless of climate, adopt protective measures if you live in, or travel to an area reporting COVID-19. 

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Myth: Eat loads of garlic! 

Truth: Garlic has antibacterial properties but there is no evidence that it protects you from the virus. 

 

The bottom line is there are thousands of rumors going viral on the internet which should not be listened to. It is essential to use the World Health Organization's Website (https://www.who.int/) in order to reach valid information. Also, trying to wash your hands as frequent as possible is one of the ways you can “actually” protect yourself from the virus.