8 COVID-19 Myths

Dr. Don Colbert – In the age of information, it’s challenging to keep everything straight with any disease, even those that have been around for centuries. As for a new virus unknown to humans before? Almost impossible. There’s a lot of information out there, and unfortunately, a lot of it is misinformation and COVID-19 myths.

In fact, due to the rapid onset of this pandemic, and even the possible mutations of the virus itself, information has been false, or at least not currently.

Here are 8 COVID-19 myths as we know at this time. As you continue to follow recommendations and information online, be sure to look for up-to-date postings.

8 COVID-19 Myths

1. MYTH: COVID-19 IS NO WORSE THAN THE SEASONAL FLU
There were many initial reports pointing out how many die every year from flu to reduce worry about COVID-19. However, we now know that COVID-19 has a higher transmissibility rate and a higher case fatality rate – about 10-20 times that of the seasonal flu.

And, the bigger issue is our lack of established immunity as humans. The COVID-19 virus is a novel coronavirus; it was not previously found in humans, but only animals.

As humans, we don’t have an immunity to it, so it’s more difficult for our bodies to respond quickly enough to fight the initial infection and/or progression of it.

2. MYTH: SENIORS AND THE ELDERLY ARE THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO SHOULD TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS.
While the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions are a risk of being most severely sick, people of all ages can become sick with COVID-19. Although a lot of initial data indicated that only a very low percentage of children get COVID-19 (<1% in China) (1), many now think that their symptoms were simply so mild they were not suspected of having it, but may have passed it onto others. What’s more, infants under 1 year of age had about the same mortality rate as the elderly in at least one study on the Chinese population.

Since children may be able to spread this coronavirus without even showing symptoms (see below), and can still potentially face difficult symptoms, everyone should take precautions no matter their age.

3. MYTH: YOU’RE CONTAGIOUS ONLY IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS.
This is one of the biggest issues to containing the spread of COVID-19; there are generally several days between contracting the virus and showing symptoms, and you can spread it before symptoms start.

What’s more, some people will never have symptoms even though they are carrying the virus, and they can still transfer it to others.

In fact, it’s now estimated that up to 10% of the cases in China were transmitted by someone who never had symptoms (2).

4. MYTH: THE VIRUS WILL DISAPPEAR WHEN IT GETS WARMER.
While this virus does seem to thrive in colder, dryer environments, there’s no great evidence that it will die off due to warmer weather.

Unfortunately, there are known cases in warm environments around the world already.

5. MYTH: STAYING AT HOME IS NECESSARY ONLY IF YOU’RE SICK.
Earlier in the pandemic, the recommendation was to stay home if you had symptoms.

Now that we know you can carry and spread COVID-19 even if you don’t have symptoms, it’s imperative that almost everyone stays home to stop the spread.

As we avoid physical contact and close proximity with anyone outside our home, we’re hoping to reduce transmission from airborne particles from spittle, sneezes, coughs, etc.

6. MYTH: EVERYONE’S SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 ARE SIMILAR.
While the COVID-19 virus is especially harmful to the respiratory system, the reported symptoms and severity of each have varied widely. Many people experience headaches, muscle aches, and fever. For others, it’s almost entirely respiratory symptoms.

At least one study has stated that approximately 50% of 200 patients studied in the original Wuhan China outbreak also experience gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea (3).

7. MYTH: COVID-19 ONLY LIVES IN THE AIR MINUTES AFTER A SNEEZE OR COUGH
After a sneeze of a cough, the COVID-19 virus can actually live in the air for up to 3 hours. In fact, scientists have confirmed that it is detectable in aerosols for hours.

Think about that. Hours before you enter a store or building, the virus could be coughed into the air and still be there when you breathe it. What’s more, it can live on cardboard for a day, and plastic and stainless steel for 3 days. The amount of virus does diminish on the surface over these timeframes (4).

While there’s not much you can do about what happens to the air hours before you arrive somewhere, here’s what you can do:

• Stay home as much as possible to minimize your risk
• If you’re at high risk of severe symptoms, wear a mask
• Wear gloves or sanitize your hands before and after all interactions with public surfaces and spaces

8. MYTH: ONCE YOU’VE HAD COVID-19, YOU ARE SAFE AND WILL NOT GET IT AGAIN.
Unfortunately, this is not known for sure. But, experts suspect that immunity to COVID-19 is similar to other common coronavirus colds, and is likely short-term.

The takeaway? Even if you’ve have COVID-19 and are recovered, still practice all the same precautions as are recommended for everyone else.  Stay home. Practice social distancing. Wash hands and sanitize.

Bottom Line

While a lot of the truth that’s coming out from new studies is scary, the more correct information we have the better equipped we are to avoid and fight this virus. COVID-19 myths are rampant, but the recommendations are clear.

Stay home, wash hands, and sanitize.

Stay diligent and don’t let up your precautions.

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