With the Coronavirus continuing to spread across the globe infecting thousands, people are starting to ask about the truth and myth when it comes to COVID-19. Because of the new and unknown nature of the virus, people all over the world are looking to the internet, social media, and news outlets to gather whatever information that they can to best protect themselves. But with so much information being thrown at us, it is hard to differentiate fact from myth. Lots of things that are circulating popular media channels are either jargon-heavy and hard to understand or false and potentially harmful advice or practices; here are some coronavirus myths you should be aware of.
So that you aren’t swept up in the hysteria, we have compiled a list of common coronavirus myths so that you can be sure that your efforts to protect yourself and your loved ones are fruitful. Our information comes directly from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, so you may rest assured that all of our information is valid.
Myths:
Face masks can protect you from getting the virus
- This is one of the biggest misconceptions about the coronavirus is that surgical masks can prevent you from contracting the disease. This is false. Standard surgical masks do not do anything to stop you from becoming infected because they are not designed to block out viral particles and do not lay flush against the face. However, face masks are said to help already infected people to keep from spreading the virus to those they come into contact with. The CDC does not recommend that people wear a mask to prevent infection unless they are care workers coming in consistent, direct contact with sick people.
Coronavirus is a mutated version of the flu
- While many of the symptoms associated with the seasonal flu and common cold are also reported by people infected with coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 is part of the coronavirus family which consists of many diseases. It is entirely different from the flu and, as such, the flu vaccine is completely useless in preventing the contraction of coronavirus.
You can get coronavirus from Chinese people or Chinese restaurants in the United States
- The Coronavirus does not specifically target people of Chinese descent, nor did it originate from them. Avoiding Chinese food is also futile; by that logic, one would also have to avoid Italian, Japanese, and Korean restaurants, as all of these countries are also experiencing outbreaks.
The virus is made in a lab
- There is no evidence that the coronavirus is a man-made virus. It is largely believed the new coronavirus’s origins are not dissimilar to other coronaviruses, all of which seem to have originated in bats.
Getting coronavirus is a death sentence
- Thus far, the new coronavirus has killed thousands worldwide. That being said, an infected person is more likely to have only a mild case and has a high chance of recovery. The World Health Organization estimates the mortality rate to be at about 3.4%. There are over 100,000 confirmed cases of people having contracted coronavirus, and around 4,000 people have died from it. While the death toll is large, many people have survived infection.
What Can You Do to Prevent Coronavirus?
After reading our list of debunked myths surrounding the coronavirus, you may find yourself wondering what you can do or avoid in order to protect yourself and those you care about. The CDC recommends that the best way to avoid infection is to wash your hands frequently and diligently with an antibacterial soap. They also say that you should avoid touching your face, mouth, and eyes, and avoid exposure to potentially infected people.
If you still have concerns about whether or not you are being proactive enough, or you feel that you may be sick, do not hesitate to come to a Village Emergency Center near you to be tested for the virus. Our board-certified physicians are passionate about educating the general public and advocating for public health. You can be sure that all of our concerns will be addressed, without the long wait.