In times of a global public health crisis like COVID-19, it is critical to know the difference between facts and myths. We asked our clinicians to clarify the facts.
- The World Health Organization has officially declared COVID-19 a pandemic, a disease that has spread in countries all over the world.
- COVID-19 is the fifth pandemic in the last 100 years. The others were HIV and different kinds of the flu.
- Experts believe the new coronavirus first started in bats.
- COVID-19 spreads through tiny droplets that into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- To get rid of germs, you need to wash your hands with soap and warm running water for at least 20 seconds.
- Older adults and people with chronic health problems like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and lung problems have a higher risk of getting seriously sick from COVID-19.
- Wearing a facemask won’t keep you safe from getting COVID-19, but it can help prevent you from spreading it if you already have it.
- The main symptoms of COVID-19: fever, a dry cough, and trouble breathing.
- There is no evidence that COVID-19 can spread between pets and humans. Still, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands before and after handling your pet.
- DON’T go straight to the doctor if you think you may have COVID-19. Call first and do what they say.
- Hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol can help kill the virus if you don’t have soap and water.
- Hand sanitizers work best when you rub them all over your hands until they are dry.
- Coronavirus is actually a family of related viruses. Some cause the common cold. Others cause Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
- About 1 in 5 people who get COVID-19 need hospital care.
- It usually takes around 5 days to start showing COVID-19 symptoms – but it can sometimes take up to 2 weeks.
- It’s important to clean phones, laptops, light switches doorknobs, and other things you often use. The virus can live up 3 days or longer on some surfaces.
- Smoking and vaping may raise your risk of developing serious problems from the coronavirus.
- Doctors don’t know yet if pregnant women have a higher risk of getting sick from COVID-19, or if COVID-19 can be passed on to the baby.
- Cruise ships, airplanes, and other enclosed, crowded spaces are prime spots for COVID-19 to spread.
- To lower your risk of COVID-19, the CDC recommends staying at least 6 feet away from others.
- SARS-CoV-2is the official name of the specific coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
- For most people, COVID-19 goes away on its own.
- Coronavirus can be spread by people who don’t show any symptoms.
- COVID-19 doesn’t cause serious symptoms in children – but children can still spread the disease.
- At the highest risk of dying from COVID-19: Adults over 60 and people with chronic health problems like high blood pressure, lung problems, or diabetes.
- The recent novel coronavirus outbreak started in Wuhan, China.
- There is no proven treatment for COVID-19.
- There is no vaccine for coronavirus.
- COVID-19 can lead to pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, and kidney failure.
- Coronaviruses can survive on some surfaces for several days.
- People of all races and ethnicities can get coronavirus. Asian people are not more likely to spread it.
