With the ongoing spread of COVID-19 worldwide, there’s unfortunately also been a surge in misinformation about the disease. In today’s fast-paced world of fake news, even a serious global pandemic hasn’t stopped people from spreading false rumors on social media and other online platforms. This article aims to bust some of the most common myths about COVID-19, addressing the numerous distortions and half-truths that have been circulating.
Myth #1: COVID-19 Doesn’t Spread in Warm Climates
This claim is incorrect. COVID-19 has continued to spread rapidly regardless of the climate, as evidenced by the rising number of cases in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and the Arabian Peninsula. These regions experience temperatures that rarely drop below 30 degrees Celsius (85+ degrees Fahrenheit) during the year. Similarly, cases have spread quickly in tropical areas like Central America, parts of Southeast Asia, and Northern Australasia. Regardless of temperature, it’s crucial to take necessary precautions, such as frequent hand washing, to protect oneself from the virus.
Myth #2: Face Masks Fully Protect Against COVID-19
This is false. Tight-fitting respirators like the N-95 can protect healthcare workers, but even they aren’t foolproof since the virus can enter through the eyes, necessitating full facial protection. For the general public, thin and lightweight surgical masks are not recommended. These do not fit tightly enough, allowing tiny infected droplets to reach the nasal passages, mouth, and eyes. Additionally, touching one’s face, even with a mask on, can lead to infection. Professional facial mask equipment might reduce the chances of spreading the virus if you have symptoms, but it doesn’t fully prevent someone from contracting the disease.
Myth #3: COVID-19 Was Deliberately Released
Several conspiracy theorists have suggested that the virus was intentionally released by high-level authorities with various hidden motives. However, COVID-19 is a zoonotic disease, meaning it originated in animals and mutated to allow human-to-human transmission. Similar to swine flu and bird flu, such outbreaks occur when a virus common in animals undergoes changes to infect humans. The novel coronavirus did not exist before late last year, making the theory that it was deliberately released very unlikely.
Myth #4: A COVID-19 Vaccine Will Be Available Soon
This is wishful thinking. We are still learning about this disease, and the genetic sequence for COVID-19 was only discovered and released for study in January 2020. Developing vaccines usually takes years of testing, clinical trials, and regulatory approval. Even if these processes are sped up to the maximum possible pace, a vaccine likely won’t be ready for widespread use until at least early 2021, if not mid-next year.
Myth #5: Drinking Water Can Flush Out the Virus
This is incorrect. While staying hydrated can help alleviate some symptoms of mild COVID-19 cases, there is no evidence that drinking water can flush the virus out of your system. Like other viruses, defeating COVID-19 relies on your immune system producing antibodies, not on water intake. Drinking water is good for general health but won’t cure the virus.
Myth #6: Holding Your Breath Can Diagnose COVID-19
A curious rumor suggests that if you can hold your breath for 10 seconds without discomfort, you don’t have COVID-19-associated lung fibrosis. This is false. Lung fibrosis caused by the coronavirus results from scarring in the lungs, which cannot be self-diagnosed through breath-holding. Accurate diagnosis requires comprehensive tests and CT scans to reveal the extent of lung damage if any.
Myth #7: Children and Young Adults Are Immune to COVID-19
This is not true. Children and young adults can contract COVID-19 and exhibit many of the same symptoms as adults. What remains unclear is why younger individuals don’t seem as severely affected as older adults, often showing only mild symptoms. Regardless, no age group is immune to the virus.
To reduce your chances of catching COVID-19, remember to wash your hands frequently, disinfect household and workplace surfaces, and practice self-isolation if you display any symptoms. Trust only reputable sources for medical information, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization.