COVID-19 Facts: 8 Myths and Facts About COVID-19 You Should Know

COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in March 2020 due to the rising number of cases. As it spread all over the world, so did misinformation about it. The myths about COVID-19 are all over social media and messaging sites. Wrong information can be dangerous and problematic. What’s more, myths make it difficult to get the truth about COVID-19 to others.

For instance, the news about alcohol sanitizers being unsafe isn’t true. The WHO has clarified it and is in favor of it. Like these, there are many coronavirus myths busted by trusted sources. Read on to find out important COVID-19 facts and stay away from misinformation.

Myths about COVID-19

COVID-19 vaccines aren’t safe

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for human beings. The efficacy differs across vaccines, but it is effective. Studies have reported that COVID-19 vaccines are also safe for people with HIV. Some people may experience mild symptoms after vaccination. These include: 

• Swelling at the injected site 
• Mild fever 
• Mild headaches
• Malaise
• irritability 

COVID-19 affects only elderly people

COVID-19 can affect people of any age group. Older people with preexisting diseases may be more prone to infection. Diseases such as asthma and diabetes put you at an increased risk of becoming severely ill. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that older adults who are not vaccinated are more likely to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19.

People who get COVID-19 will die

Most people recover from COVID-19 at home without any hospital treatment. According to WHO, around 80% of people with COVID-19 experience a mild case of the illness. These people do not need special treatment. Some of the mild symptoms include: 

• Fever 
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Tiredness
• Shortness of breath 

Moreover, many people do not experience any symptoms at all. COVID-19 is fatal for only a small percentage of patients. You should seek emergency medical care if you have chest pain, breathing difficulty, or loss of speech and mobility.

Eating garlic helps prevent COVID-19

Garlic can prevent many bacterial infections. There are studies that suggest that garlic may lower the rate at which some bacteria grow. But there is no evidence of it protecting against COVID-19. Since it is caused by a virus and not a bacteria, this is a myth.

You are safe if you test negative for COVID-19

The truth about the COVID-19 test report is that seeing a negative result simply means you didn’t have the infection when tested. It doesn’t mean that you are safe from the virus or that it won’t affect you. A negative test result simply implies that you were probably not infected. In some cases, you could get a false negative result as well. In any case, it is unwise to assume you are safe simply because you have a negative test report. Maintain social distancing protocols and stay hygienic to ensure safety.

Coronavirus doesn’t spread in hot climate

The degree of risk from coronavirus doesn’t depend on or change based on weather. A hot or humid climate won’t protect you from the virus. Exposing yourself to sunshine is a good idea as your body produces vitamin D. This is important for your immune system. To be safe from the virus, follow coronavirus prevention tips. Wash your hands and practice social distancing, no matter how hot it is outside.

Consuming alcohol or rubbing it on the body cures or prevents COVID-19

No. Consuming or rubbing alcohol on your body doesn’t prevent you from contracting COVID-19. Drinking alcohol weakens your immune system. Hand sanitizers do contain alcohol. These are formulated to be safe for external use. Ethanol found in cleaning products or hand sanitizers shouldn’t be consumed. These pose severe threats such as disability or death if ingested.

Vaccination is not necessary as herd immunity will eliminate coronavirus

Achieving herd immunity can help protect those who are not vaccinated such as children. Getting vaccinated helps reduce the chances of having severe COVID-19 infection. It further can reduce the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Herd immunity can be fast achieved if every person gets vaccinated. Also, immunity gained from the vaccine can be more reliably achieved than immunity gained from having COVID-19.

Now that you know the facts about COVID-19, follow proper coronavirus prevention tips. Do your bit to clear the spread of misinformation with these quick facts of COVID-19. Bajaj Finserv Health offer vaccination registration to get vaccinated from this deadly virus. Select a slot and get inoculated against this virus and in the last and you can download cowin certificate online. For medical care and specialized treatments, book an online doctor consultation with ease. Learn more COVID-19 facts on Bajaj Finserv Health and stay safe.