COVID-19: Rumor VS Fact

By: Jordan Bucknor ‘22

We’re living in some pretty weird times — not only as a school, but also as human beings in the midst of a global phenomenon. A lot of things are different and that’s kind of scary, but I think now more than ever, holding on to facts (or the closest things we know to be fact) is key to getting through this.

Now, of course, this isn’t an event we’re reading about in the pages of a textbook. We’re living through it — right now — and a lot of things are changing, adapting, and improving every day. What may be considered “fact” one day could be disproved the next (and social media doesn’t exactly help in spreading verified information). What I am trying to do is clean up those stray rumors and facts in the best way possible with the information most readily available — but there’s no guarantee these same “facts” won’t be corrected later. So all I (and really anyone else can do) is just do my best with what I got. With that being said, let’s get into it!

Rumor: “There’s no point in wearing face coverings/mask. They don’t work.”

According to the CDC, wearing face coverings is a recommended practice where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. They do help slow the spread of the virus by preventing people who may have the virus and not know if from spreading it to others. They also keep you from touching your face! This does not mean you need to buy a $50 N-15 mask off of Amazon or hoard hundreds of medical masks. Face coverings could be made from something as simple as a bandana or an old T-shirt!

Rumor: “Only microbial soap and hand sanitizer will deter the virus, anything labeled anti-bacterial or otherwise is useless.”

The CDC states studies that show hand sanitizers that contain 60-95% alcohol are effective at killing germs. The FDA adds that there isn’t enough evidence to show that antibacterial, antimicrobial, or antiseptic soaps are better at preventing illnesses than washing with plain soap and water. 

“Following simple handwashing practices is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of many types of infection and illness at home, at school and elsewhere,” says Theresa M. Michele, MD, of the FDA’s Division of Nonprescription Drug Products. “We can’t advise this enough. It’s simple, and it works.”

Rumor: “If someone is infected with the coronavirus, they’ll die.”

According to the CDC, for most people, the immediate risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low. But, Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19 — which is exactly why social distancing is so important. It may not be fatal for you, but it could be for those around you. Stay at home!

Rumor: “People are overreacting. It’s no more dangerous than the flu.”

John Hopkins Medicine explains that COVID-19 and the Flu are similar in the way they both cause fevers, coughs, body aches, fatigue and sometimes vomiting/diarrhea. They can both be mild or severe, and even fatal in rare cases. Both can be spread from person to person through droplets in the air from an infected person coughing, sneezing or talking; they can also both be spread by an infected person for several days before their symptoms appear.

A possible difference, however, is that COVID-19 might be spread through the airborne route, meaning that tiny droplets remaining in the air could cause disease in others even after the ill person is no longer near. There is no available vaccine for COVID-19, unlike the flu. 

Basically, COVID-19 might be spread in more ways, there is no vaccine for it, and people are not immune to it. The “newness” of the virus is the danger, and to disregard it because it has not yet taken the same amount of lives as the flu is a surefire way to make sure it does exactly that.

Rumor: “Antibiotics kill the virus.”

Unfortunately, Kaiser Permanente explains, antibiotics will not kill COVID-19. There are two main types of organisms that cause infections: viruses and bacteria. Antibiotics are strong medicines that treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics won’t treat viral infections because they can’t kill viruses.

Rumor: “Everyone need to stockpile groceries and supplies.”

No, you don’t, FEMA states. Buying weeks or months of supplies in advance leads to shortages and makes it difficult for other families to take care of themselves and incites unnecessary panic. Stores are continuing to restock despite the virus. The only way to wake up to completely barren shelves is to be the person buying 30 packs of meat with no space in your fridge.

Rumor: “Drinking alcohol can protect you from the virus.”

It doesn’t. The World Health Organization states that alcohol can be used to disinfect surfaces and kill COVID-19 externally, but drinking it will not provide any protection internally. It may even make you more susceptible.

On a similar note, tons of faux remedies have been spreading online — tea, stomach acid, home remedies, etc. — and none have been verified. Please be careful of misinformation.

Rumor: “You can self-test for the coronavirus at home by holding your breath.”

According to the World Health Organization, being able to hold your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing or feeling discomfort does not mean you are free from the coronavirus disease. The best way to confirm if you have the virus-producing COVID-19 is with a laboratory test.  You cannot confirm it with this breathing exercise, which can even be dangerous.

Things are pretty crazy right now, but to wildly panic benefits no one. I encourage you to check out all of the sites listed for yourself and to be aware of misinformation. Stay at home, try your best to stay sane, and we’ll get through this soon enough!

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