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The Truth Behind COVID-19 Misconceptions: An Expert’s Take

The internet is rife with misinformation about Covid-19, with social media being a key culprit. In this article, our esteemed professor will elucidate the facts, providing much-needed clarity on the matter and helping us to separate scientific truth from fiction.

Administrator

31 August, 2024

Professor Tuan Nguyen has been researching, collecting, and summarizing information from reliable sources regarding COVID-19 prevention. He hopes that this information will help alleviate the confusion and anxiety surrounding the pandemic.

1Spraying Chlorine or Alcohol Can Kill the Virus

False. Chlorine and alcohol cannot kill the virus inside our bodies. They are only effective against bacteria and germs on surfaces. Using these substances on your skin or inhaling them can be harmful and may cause irritation or damage to your eyes and mouth.

2Rinsing Your Nose with Saline Solution Can Prevent COVID-19

There is no scientific evidence that rinsing your nose with saline solution can prevent COVID-19 infection. While it may help alleviate symptoms of upper respiratory infections, it does not reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19.

3Gargling with Saltwater Can Prevent COVID-19

This is a misconception and is not based on scientific evidence. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that there is no proof that gargling with saltwater will protect you from COVID-19 infection.

4Antibiotics Can Kill the COVID-19 Virus

False. Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria, not viruses. They are ineffective against viral infections like COVID-19.

5The Flu Vaccine Can Prevent COVID-19

False. COVID-19 is caused by a different virus than the one that causes seasonal flu. Currently, there is no specific vaccine available for this novel coronavirus.

6Garlic Can Prevent COVID-19

While garlic has antimicrobial properties, there is no scientific evidence that it can protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

7Hair Dryers Can Kill SARS-CoV-2

False. Hair dryers are not effective in killing the COVID-19 virus. They are not designed for disinfection purposes.

8Face Masks Can Prevent COVID-19 Infection

While face masks are recommended for healthcare workers and infected individuals, they are not necessary for the general public. Single-use masks may not provide effective protection against COVID-19. Additionally, wearing a mask can give a false sense of security, leading people to neglect other important preventive measures such as frequent handwashing.

9Only Adults and Youth Are at Risk of Infection

False. COVID-19 can affect people of all ages. While older individuals and those with underlying health conditions may be at higher risk of severe disease, the virus can infect people of any age.

10Anyone Who Comes into Contact with an Infected Person Will Get COVID-19

False. The risk of infection depends on various factors, including the strength of a person’s immune system. Those with stronger immune systems may be less likely to become infected or experience severe symptoms.

11Everyone Who Gets Infected Will Die

Absolutely false. The majority of people (97%-99%) who become infected with COVID-19 recover. Additionally, most cases (81%) are mild, and many people experience no symptoms at all.

12Cats and Dogs Can Spread COVID-19

Research on this topic is ongoing, and findings are based on a limited number of animals. While various species of animals, including cats, dogs, and several types of farm animals, can become infected with SARS-CoV-2, it is not clear if they can transmit the virus to humans.

Experimental studies have shown that several mammal species, such as cats, ferrets, fruit bats, hamsters, racoon dogs, pigs, rabbits, pangolins, and deer mice, can be infected with the virus. Some of these species, including cats, ferrets, fruit bats, hamsters, racoon dogs, and pangolins, have been shown to transmit the virus to other animals of the same species in laboratory settings.

Primates such as cynomolgus monkeys, rhesus macaques, common marmosets, African green monkeys, and baboons have also been used as models for human infection. These primates can be infected with SARS-CoV-2 and develop symptoms in laboratory settings. While laboratory mice could not be infected with the initial strain of SARS-CoV-2, there is evidence that they can be infected with new variants of the virus.

Chickens and ducks, however, do not appear to become infected or transmit the disease.

For further information, please refer to:

13COVID-19 Is Just Like the Seasonal Flu

False. While COVID-19 and seasonal flu may share some similar symptoms, the mortality rate for COVID-19 is significantly higher, ranging from 1% to 3%, compared to 0.1% to 0.3% for seasonal flu.

14Thermometers Can Diagnose COVID-19

False. Thermometers can only detect a fever, which could be caused by various illnesses, including seasonal flu. Additionally, COVID-19 has an incubation period of up to two weeks, during which an infected person may not exhibit any symptoms but can still spread the virus.

15COVID-19 Can Be Transmitted Through Feces and Urine

This is likely false. According to Professor John Edmunds of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, when we swallow, we also swallow mucus from our nose and throat, which often contains viruses and bacteria. However, the stomach’s acidic environment typically neutralizes or destroys these pathogens. While viral particles may be detected in feces, they are usually inactive and incapable of causing infection.

16COVID-19 Will Disappear in the Spring

Some viruses, like the seasonal flu, are more prevalent during winter or in temperate climates. However, it is currently unknown if COVID-19 will behave similarly or survive in warmer temperatures.

17COVID-19 Is the Deadliest Pathogen Known to Humans

False. While COVID-19 is a serious disease and has a higher mortality rate than seasonal flu, it is not as deadly as other viruses such as Ebola, SARS, or MERS.

18COVID-19 Originated in a Military Lab in China

This is a rumor, and there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

For more health-related articles, please visit our Health section.

Frequently asked questions

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2, which belongs to a large family of viruses known as coronaviruses. It was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and has since spread worldwide, leading to an ongoing global pandemic.

COVID-19 mainly spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby or be inhaled into the lungs. It can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, followed by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary from mild to severe, and they may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Common symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea, and diarrhea.

Older adults and people with certain underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Underlying medical conditions include cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung diseases, serious heart conditions, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and sickle cell disease, among others.

While there is no specific treatment for COVID-19, people with mild symptoms are advised to stay home, rest, and stay hydrated. Over-the-counter medications can help with pain and fever. Severe cases may require hospitalization and supportive care, such as oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation in intensive care.

Yes, multiple safe and effective vaccines have been authorized for emergency use by regulatory agencies worldwide. These vaccines have undergone rigorous testing and review, and they provide a strong layer of protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.

You can protect yourself and others by getting vaccinated, wearing a mask that covers your mouth and nose, maintaining physical distance from others, avoiding crowded places, regularly washing your hands with soap and water, and covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.

No, COVID-19 is not a hoax or just like the flu. It is a novel coronavirus that has caused a global pandemic, resulting in significant illness and death. It has unique characteristics and can lead to severe respiratory illness, especially in high-risk individuals.

Fully vaccinated people can resume many activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, especially outdoors. However, it is important to follow the guidelines provided by your local health authorities, as mask mandates and recommendations may vary based on community transmission rates and other factors.

If you think you have COVID-19, isolate yourself from others and contact your healthcare provider. Inform them about your symptoms and potential exposure before visiting their facility. Follow their instructions for testing and care, and monitor your symptoms closely.