9 Myths About Coronavirus Debunked
9 Myths About Coronavirus Debunked
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, myths about the disease are rife among people. The disease known as COVID-19 is caused by coronavirus. People infected by this highly contagious virus show symptoms like fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. The internet is flooded with information, often inaccurate ones, causing misinformation that complicate things.
Here we bring some valuable tips to debunk the common myths about coronavirus.
Myth 1: Coronavirus is similar to the seasonal flu
Coronavirus has a higher mortality rate than the seasonal flu. While the symptoms of coronavirus and the seasonal flu are similar, COVID-19 is more dangerous. As per WHO reports, the mortality rate of COVID-1 patients is 3.4% (4 March, 2020), compared to less than 1% death caused by seasonal flu.
Myth 2: Coronavirus kills older people
Older people infected by coronavirus have a higher mortality rate, compared to children and the young adults. COVID-19 patients in the age group of 0-49 have a mortality rate of around 0.4%, which increases gradually and peaks at 14.8% for people over 80 years of age. While older people and patients with pre-existing health condition are more susceptible to the disease, others are not completely immune - anyone can get infected, including children and young adults.
Myth 3: Everyone should wear a face mask
Coronavirus is mainly transmitted through droplets. A face mask can provide some protection, but the virus can also enter through eyes or aerosols that easily penetrate masks. However, a face mask can block cough droplets when someone sneezes around you. Face masks are recommended for two main groups by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): patients and healthcare workers. If everyone buys face masks, it creates scarcity of these essentials for healthcare workers and patients.
Myth 4: Infection takes place only if you are around a COVID-19 patient for 10 minutes
Medical guidelines suggest that a person needs to be around an infected person for 10 minutes, and that too within 6 feet. However, even shorter duration of interaction may lead to coronavirus infection. Besides, contaminated surfaces can also cause the disease.
Myth 5: Vitamins & minerals can cure/prevent COVID-19
Vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc are vital micronutrients that strengthen the immune system and promote good health. While these micronutrients support human health, there is no medical guideline to use the supplements as a treatment protocol for COVID-19.
Myth 6: Coronavirus infection kills the patient
COVID-19 causes severe respiratory diseases like pneumonia and bronchitis in older people, children and people with low immunity. However, the mortality rate is 3.4%, which is expected to decrease with time and reports of death will become rare. Since coronavirus is still spreading and infecting people in huge numbers, even a 3% mortality rate is something to be concerned.
Myth 7: Pneumonia vaccines can prevent COVID-19
Pneumonia vaccines such as pneumococcal vaccine or Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine does not provide protection against the coronavirus. This is a novel virus and needs a separate vaccine, which is currently being developed by researchers with support from WHO.
Myth 8: Antibiotics can be used to treat COVID-19
COVID-19 is caused by a virus and cannot be treated with antibiotics that work only against bacteria. However, people with a bacterial infection along with COVID-19, have to be administered antibiotics as a treatment.
Myth 9: Coronavirus infection can be detected by thermal scanners
Manifestation of the symptoms of coronavirus infection takes 2-10 days. Only if a person has fever, the thermal scanners can detect a coronavirus infection. But if a person is asymptomatic or has not developed fever yet, the scanners cannot detect the infection.
The COVID-19 is a disease that needs to be dealt with seriously. Stay informed, educate yourself and avoid misinformation floating around. Focus on preventive measures like washing and sanitizing hands as often as possible.
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