Dispelling 7 Common Misconceptions About the Coronavirus

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread globally, there’s been a worrying increase in misinformation about the disease. Unfortunately, even a serious global pandemic hasn’t stopped people from spreading false rumors on social media and other online platforms. This article aims to dispel some of the most popular myths about COVID-19 and clarify the many distortions and half-truths that are circulating.

One common falsehood is that the coronavirus doesn’t thrive in hot climates. However, the virus has rapidly spread in hot regions like sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and the Arab Peninsula, where temperatures often exceed 30 degrees Celsius (85+ degrees Fahrenheit). It’s also spread quickly in tropical areas like Central America, parts of Southeast Asia, and Northern Australasia. The best way to protect yourself from the virus is by frequently washing your hands, regardless of the temperature.

Another myth is that face masks can completely protect you from the virus. While tight-fitting respirators like the N-95 offer some protection for health workers, they don’t provide full protection because the virus can also enter through the eyes. For the general public, surgical masks are not recommended as they don’t fit tightly enough and can still allow tiny infected droplets to reach your nose, mouth, and eyes. Touching your face under the mask can also lead to infection. Professional facial masks can reduce the risk of spreading the virus if you have respiratory symptoms, but they don’t completely prevent you from getting infected.

There are also conspiracy theories suggesting that the virus was released intentionally by high-level authorities. In reality, COVID-19 is an animal disease that mutated to allow human-to-human transmission, much like the swine flu and bird flu. The virus did not exist before late last year, making the idea of a deliberate release highly unlikely.

Vaccines for COVID-19 are still in development. The genetic sequence of the virus was only discovered in January 2020. Vaccines typically take years to develop, undergoing lab testing, clinical trials, and regulatory approval. Even at maximum speed, a vaccine wouldn’t be ready for widespread use until at least early 2021 or mid-2021.

Some people believe that drinking water can flush the virus out of their system. While staying hydrated can help ease symptoms of mild COVID-19 cases, there’s no evidence that it can cure you. Water helps your cells function, but it’s your immune system that fights off the virus.

A strange rumor claims that if you can hold your breath for 10 seconds without discomfort, you don’t have fibrosis associated with COVID-19. However, fibrosis from the coronavirus results from lung scarring, and self-diagnosis in this manner is unreliable. Proper diagnosis requires a series of tests and CT scans.

Lastly, there’s the false belief that children are immune to COVID-19, which is why some schools remain open. While children tend to have milder symptoms than adults, they can still contract and spread the virus. No age group is immune, and it’s important to follow guidelines like frequent handwashing, disinfecting surfaces, and self-isolation if symptoms appear.

To prevent the spread of misinformation, always rely on reputable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO).