With the ongoing spread of COVID-19 globally, there’s also been a rise in misinformation about the disease. Even a serious situation like a global pandemic hasn’t stopped people from spreading false rumors on social media and other online platforms.
This article addresses some of the most common myths about COVID-19 and aims to correct the false information that’s being circulated more and more each day.
FALSE: COVID-19 Spreads Regardless of Climate
Available evidence shows that COVID-19 spreads in all climates. The virus has rapidly increased in cases across sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and the Arab Peninsula, where temperatures are often above 30 degrees Celsius (85+ degrees Fahrenheit). The virus has also spread quickly in tropical regions like Central America, parts of South-East Asia, and Northern Australasia. Regardless of the temperature, it’s essential to take precautions, such as frequently washing your hands, to protect yourself from the disease.
FALSE: Face Masks Protect Everyone
Only certain professionals need tight-fitting respirators like the N-95 masks to protect themselves while caring for patients. Even then, these masks do not offer complete protection because the virus can enter through the eyes, requiring full facial protection. For the general public, thin and lightweight surgical masks are not recommended. They don’t fit tightly enough to prevent tiny infected droplets from reaching the nose, mouth, and eyes. Also, touching your face below the mask can still lead to infection. Professional face masks can reduce the chances of infecting others if you have respiratory symptoms, but they won’t prevent you from contracting the virus yourself.
FALSE: COVID-19 Was Deliberately Released
Some conspiracy theorists suggest that high-level authorities deliberately released the virus. However, COVID-19 is an animal disease that mutated to human-to-human transmission, much like swine flu and bird flu. The virus didn’t exist before late last year, which is why there’s still so much we don’t know about it, making the idea of a deliberate release highly unlikely.
FALSE: A Vaccine Will Be Available Soon
We know very little about this disease, although that is rapidly changing. The genetic sequence for COVID-19 was only discovered and shared for study in January 2020. Developing and approving vaccines usually takes years of lab testing, clinical trials, and regulatory approval. Even at maximum speed, a vaccine won’t be ready for widespread use until at least early 2021, if not mid-next year.
FALSE: Drinking Water Can Flush Out the Virus
Drinking water and staying hydrated may help ease symptoms in mild cases of COVID-19, but there’s no evidence it can flush the virus out of your system. Water helps your cells function well, but it’s your immune system that produces antibodies to fight the virus. So, drink water regularly, but don’t expect it to cure you.
FALSE: Holding Your Breath Test
A strange rumor claims that holding your breath for 10 seconds without discomfort means you don’t have respiratory symptoms associated with COVID-19. However, fibrosis caused by the novel coronavirus involves scarring in the lungs. Proper diagnosis needs a range of tests and CT scans to see any lung scarring, if present.
FALSE: Children and Young Adults Are Immune
Despite some schools remaining open, the idea that children and young adults are immune to COVID-19 is false. Many children have tested positive and show the same symptoms as adults. Scientists don’t yet understand why children and young people seem less severely affected, often showing only mild symptoms. However, no age group is immune. The best way to reduce your chances of catching the virus is by frequently washing your hands, disinfecting surfaces, and practicing self-isolation if you show any symptoms to prevent the spread.
During these times, it’s crucial to rely only on reputable news sources, the CDC, or WHO for medical information.