As the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic situation continues to evolve across the globe, certain myths continue to spread along with it.
Dr. Faheem Younus, an award-winning clinician and physician executive who is leading the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health’s quality and safety program, busted these nineteen COVID-19 myths.
1/19: Avoid shipped packages/gas pumps/shopping carts/ATMs or you’ll die.
Wrong.
Coronavirus surface survival is one thing; that surface causing an infection is another. Wash your hands; live your life
2/19: You can catch COVID-19 from ordering takeout food/Chinese food (or the packaging of food).
Wrong.
COVID-19 is a droplet related infection (like flu) not a food-borne infection (like salmonella etc.). There is no documented COVID risk with take-out food.
3/19: Going into a sauna for 20 min can kill more than 90% of viruses, including coronavirus.
Wrong.
There are no scientific trials to suggest the validity of this claim. On the contrary, saunas can cause pneumonias, folliculitis, etc. Read below:
4/19: If you lose your sense of smell, you have COVID-19.
FALSE.
It’s common to temporarily lose one’s sense of smell with many viral infections/allergies. It’s a non-specific symptom that may or may not happen with COVID-19.
5/19: Taking hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin preemptively is a good idea to prevent COVID-19.
Wrong.
These (experimental) drugs for coronavirus should only be used in selected COVID patients. They can sometimes cause fatal heart rhythm problems plus other side effects.
6/19: I receive messages that using garlic/lemon with hot water/onion in the room will prevent or cure COVID-19. Is it true?
No, it’s just made up stuff.
None of these substances have been scientifically tested against COVID-19. Don’t share such posts; they create confusion.
7/19: Our governor has declared a state of emergency. It must mean that we are all dying…
Wrong.
The state of emergency is more of a legal than a medical standard. It allows governments to access more resources (like federal funds) and personnel (like the national guards).
8/19: Always change your clothes/shower after coming home. Or you will bring coronavirus to your family.
Wrong.
Cleanliness is a virtue; paranoia isn’t. Let’s not scare people. Our biggest return on investment is in handwashing, staying 6 feet away, avoiding large crowds, etc.
9/19: But the messages I receive are from doctors in China/Italy. Why shouldn’t I believe them?
False.
Real doctors publish their research in scientific journals, not on social media. Lots of good research is already published. Let’s not fuel misinformation.
10/19: Is Ibuprofen bad for COVID-19. Should I use Tylenol instead?
No. This is false. There are no studies proving this reckless opinion.
11/19: Can Coronavirus mutate and become airborne?
No. Even when viruses mutate, their mode of transmission does not change. Influenza virus has mutated many times, but it remains a droplet infection.
12/19: Can my pet catch COVID-19? Can I catch COVID-19 from my pet?
Extremely unlikely. CDC hasn’t received any reports of pets becoming sick with coronavirus. But good hand hygiene and common sense must prevail.
13/19: My coworker’s dad developed COVID-19. Am I at risk?
No. If you’re exposed to someone who was exposed to someone with COVID-19, you’re fine. CDC recommends no testing on family members of those who were exposed to a COVID-19 patient
14/19: Does garlic cure COVID-19? Bananas? Vitamin-C?
Bananas are a fine fruit and garlic is a fine vegetable. But no. There are no clinical trials to suggest they have anti-coronavirus activity. Vitamin-C Is not even a fruit or a vegetable!
15/19: I’m tired of staying home. Is it risky to go out for a run?
Go. Run. Jog. Laugh. Just don’t do it with loads of people. Our air isn’t contaminated with coronavirus.
16/19: I just developed a sore throat and a runny nose. Is it COVID-19? Should I go to the hospital?
Don’t know. But chances are you may have a seasonal virus (Flu, RSV, Rhinovirus, etc.). Stay home. Hospitals won’t do a test and you’ll likely wait in the ED for hours.
17/19: I’ve heard that coronavirus thrives in cold sinuses. So if you blow-dry your nose with warm air, it kills the virus. True?
False! Please don’t. Our nose carries bacteria, as part of normal flora. Those bacteria may get confused:)
18/19: Do you develop immunity after getting COVID-19?
We will know for sure in 2021. But if you put a gun next to my head and forced me to make a choice, I’d say YES. It’s very likely that infected people will develop immunity. Not sure how long will the immunity last for…
19/19: Why is the virus infecting govt. officials, celebrities?
Because COVID-19 doesn’t discriminate. Coronavirus doesn’t ask if you’re white or black, rich or poor. It only asks: Are you human?
That’s why – while honestly acknowledging our differences – we must unite. Band together, people. Let’s follow the scientific evidence and win this war against coronavirus.
See you on the other side of this pandemic!