Kaitlyn Hart
Life Editor
With the Coronavirus at the forefront of everyone’s minds, it’s almost too easy to get caught up in all of the social media hype and lose sight of what is fake and what is real. Thankfully, there are people and organizations out there that are doing the work for you to determine what we need to worry about, and what we need to worry about forgetting. Here are some of the biggest and most widespread myths to educate yourself on to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19.
MYTH:
Exposing yourself to high temperatures will prevent you from contracting the Coronavirus.
This is false.
According to the World Health Organization, “You can catch COVID-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. Countries with hot weather have reported cases of COVID-19. To protect yourself, make sure you clean your hands frequently and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.” You will not kill the virus from taking a hot bath or standing out in the sun.
MYTH:
If you happen to contract the coronavirus, you will always have it.
This is false.
The majority of people are able to recover from the virus thanks to the amazing healthcare workers that are working day in and day out on keeping us healthy. According to the World Health Organization, “If you catch the disease, make sure you treat your symptoms. If you have cough, fever, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early – but call your health facility by telephone first.”
MYTH:
If you can hold your breath for more than 10 seconds without feeling any discomfort, you don’t have Covid-19.
This is false.
Just because you aren’t coughing or feeling any extreme discomfort, does not mean you haven’t contracted the virus, and this test can even be dangerous. According to the World Health Organization, “The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are dry cough, tiredness and fever. Some people may develop more severe forms of the disease, such as pneumonia. The best way to confirm if you have the virus producing COVID-19 disease is with a laboratory test. You cannot confirm it with this breathing exercise, which can even be dangerous.”
MYTH:
Cold temperatures will kill the coronavirus.
This is false.
According to the World Health Organization, “There is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill the new coronavirus or other diseases. The normal human body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the external temperature or weather. The most effective way to protect yourself against the new coronavirus is by frequently cleaning your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or washing them with soap and water.”
MYTH:
You can get the coronavirus from mosquito bites.
This is false.
As of current data and research, there is no evidence to suggest that Covid-19 can be transmitted by mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organization, “The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose.”
MYTH:
Only people who have officially tested positive for the coronavirus need to stay home and self-isolate.
This is false.
The United States does not currently have enough tests to conduct on everyone who needs them. Because of that, we can only test the people who are extremely sick. The best thing to do right now is to stay home to prevent those with respiratory infection and the immunodeficient from becoming sick and endangering their lives.
MYTH:
The Coronavirus can be killed by the use of UV lamps.
This is false.
According to the World Health Organization, “UV lamps should not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.”
MYTH:
Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over yourself will kill the coronavirus.
This is false.
This is dangerous for your health and safety and the health and safety of everyone around you. According to the World Health Organization, “Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth). Be aware that both alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations.”
MYTH:
The vaccine that prevents pneumonia will protect you against Covid-19.
This is false.
According to the World Health Organization, “Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus. The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine against 2019-nCoV, and WHO is supporting their efforts. Although these vaccines are not effective against 2019-nCoV, vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect your health.”
MYTH:
Eating garlic will help you to prevent contracting the coronavirus.
This is false.
There is no evidence to suggest that the consumption of garlic will protect you from the coronavirus. According to the World Health Organization, “Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from the new coronavirus.”
This is a new and very scary time. It may seem impossible to stay in your house all day and not go over to your friends house, or not go over to hang out with your significant other. But I promise it’s possible and it’s for the best. Do it to protect the elderly, the immunodeficient, the rest of society and the future of mankind as we know it.
