The coronavirus, COVID-19, is apart of a large family of viruses that can cause varying respiratory complications. The symptoms can range from the common cold to more severe symptoms such as a respiratory infection. Scientists and medical experts initially thought that COVID-19 only affected the older population and those with pre-existing conditions, however, recent cases have shown that people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s can be severely sickened by the virus. 

There’s a surplus of information online about the virus, which can make it difficult to discern what is fact and fiction. Here are some common questions and assumptions that we have broken down: 

1. Not all coronavirus cases are fatal 

• Fact – Most of the people who become infected with COVID-19 will recover. If you contract the virus, you must treat your symptoms immediately. However, a small percentage of the population will ultimately succumb to the virus, with many being over 70 years of age. 

  2.  Specific medications can treat COVID-19

• Fiction – Currently, there is no specific medication that is recommended to prevent or treat the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Some treatments are being investigated and will be tested through clinical trials. 

  3.  Only older adults are at risk of contracting COVID-19

• Fiction – SARS-CoV-2, similar to other coronaviruses, infects people of all ages. However, older adults and people with pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, are more likely to become severely ill.

  4.  Face masks should be worn outside to prevent the virus

• Fact – Despite some earlier confusion from the CDC, it is now recommended that any individual out in public be wearing a face mask. For non-health care workers, a cloth mask is recommended to prevent the spread of droplets. 

5.  The virus cannot be transmitted in hot and humid environments

• Fiction – The virus can be transmitted in all environments. However, it is still unknown if heat can lower the severity of the virus. Scientists are not sure if COVID-19 will “go away” in the summer. 

 6.  The coronavirus can be transmitted through mosquito bites

• Fiction – The coronavirus is a respiratory virus that spreads primarily through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva.

7.  Is handwashing a good defense against the coronavirus?

• Fact – With no available vaccine, handwashing is a great line of defense against the coronavirus. Handwashing is the recommended way to prevent the virus as soap and water together break down the virus. 

8.  Can you take antibiotics to prevent and treat the new coronavirus?

• Fiction –  Antibiotics do not work against viruses, only against bacteria. The new coronavirus is a virus, therefore, antibiotics should not be used for prevention or treatment. 

9.  Does regularly rinsing your nose with saline prevent the virus?

• Fiction – There is limited evidence that regularly rinsing your nose with saline helps people recover quicker from the common cold. However, regularly rinsing the nose has not been shown to prevent respiratory infections.

10.  Garlic protects against the coronavirus

• Fiction – Research suggests that garlic can slow the growth of some types of bacteria. However, COVID-19 is caused by a virus, and there is no evidence that garlic can protect people against the virus. 

Resources:

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/coronavirus-myths-explored