Fact check: Debunking 10 myths about the coronavirus that causes COVID-19
April 3, 2020 at 6:00 am Updated April 3, 2020 at 10:23 am
(Illustrations by Gabriel Campanario)
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As the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 spreads across the globe, so does misinformation about it. Here’s a look at 10 claims about the virus, along with the facts from trusted sources.
MYTH
Young people are not susceptible to this coronavirus.
FACT
People of all ages can be infected. Older people and people with preexisting medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill. But young people can carry — and spread — the virus, even if they don’t show symptoms.
Source: World Health Organization
MYTH
The coronavirus can’t survive airborne or on surfaces.
FACT
Researchers have found that droplets carrying the virus can travel through the air and stay suspended for about half an hour. They can also settle on surfaces, where the virus can last longer — up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to 72 hours on plastic and steel. The risk of getting infected from touching these materials, however, remains low because the virus’ ability to infect decreases rapidly over time.
Source: The New York Times
MYTH
Hot weather makes the virus disappear.
FACT
“You can catch COVID-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is,” according to the World Health Organization. So far, evidence shows the virus that causes COVID-19 can be transmitted anywhere, and places with hot and humid weather have reported cases. Regardless of climate, take protective measures if you live in, or travel to, an area where the virus is present.
Source: World Health Organization
MYTH
Taking a hot bath prevents you from getting infected with the virus.
FACT
The temperature of your bath doesn’t change your normal body temperature and won’t affect whether you catch this virus. But washing your hands frequently is a great way to keep from getting sick, because it will eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur if you then touch your eyes, mouth or nose.
Source: World Health Organization
MYTH
Face masks don’t work to prevent infection.
FACT
A face mask isn’t guaranteed to keep you from getting sick, but the protection is better than nothing. A mask can help capture some droplets that carry the virus. And it’s important to note that wearing a mask isn’t just about protecting yourself; it can also help keep you from passing viruses to others.
This coronavirus seems to be spread even by people who aren’t showing symptoms. As of Friday morning, April 3, the White House coronavirus task force was formalizing new guidance to recommend that many Americans wear face coverings of some kind — even T-shirts or bandannas — when going outside or to places like grocery stores or pharmacies.
Even if you’re wearing a mask, make sure to follow social distancing and hygiene guidelines recommended by public health officials; for instance, stay at least 6 feet from other people, wash your hands often and don’t touch your face.
Make sure you know how to use your mask and keep it clean. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching it.
Medical-grade masks — particularly N-95 masks, which are the most effective but are in short supply — should be reserved for medical professionals who deal directly with sick patients.
Sources: World Health Organization; The New York Times; The Associated Press
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MYTH
Covering your body with alcohol or chlorine kills the virus.
FACT
Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over yourself won’t kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes, such as those in your eyes and mouth. Both alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used according to appropriate recommendations.
Source: World Health Organization
MYTH
Rinsing your nose with saline prevents infection.
FACT
Some people are familiar with this tactic because there is limited evidence that regularly rinsing your nose with saline can help you recover more quickly from the common cold. However, rinsing your nose doesn’t prevent respiratory infections such as the virus that causes COVID-19.
Source: World Health Organization
MYTH
Eating garlic protects you against the new coronavirus.
FACT
There’s no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people. It’s a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties, but that’s unrelated to COVID-19.
Source: World Health Organization
MYTH
Hand dryers effectively kill the coronavirus.
FACT
Hand dryers aren’t effective at eliminating the virus. If you use a hand dryer and touch your face afterward, you could get infected. You can use a warm air dryer or paper towel to dry your hands after thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water, but it’s the washing that eliminates the virus, not the dryer.
Source: World Health Organization
MYTH
Taking ibuprofen might worsen COVID-19 symptoms.
FACT
There’s no evidence to support this suggestion, according to the World Health Organization and other leading agencies.
Source: The Associated Press
Illustrations by Gabriel Campanario, Seattle Times news artist
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