Busting 5 Myths About COVID-19

In the ongoing global crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the news, media, and internet are grappling with a bulk load of information. These pieces of information come from a variety of sources, and it is not always possible for us, the common public, to verify the authenticity of it.

More often than not, false news, propaganda, and baseless information create anxiety, panic, and unnecessary confusion among people already struggling under the pressure of this crisis.

Here, we have brought you five popular myths about COVID-19 that are doing rounds on the internet currently and will discuss how far they are from the truth.

Myth 1 : Pets Can Spread Corona

The exact nature and route of infection of the novel coronavirus is still a matter of ongoing research. So, anyone claiming otherwise or providing fake evidence can be safely disregarded.

It is true that instances such as a tiger at New York Zoo testing positive for COVID-19 raises obvious concerns. But it is suspected that the animal got it from its infected caregiver.

Moreover, CDC has presented the following view in this matter:

“The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, and talking. Recent studies show that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19. At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low.”

Myth 2 : Once Affected With Corona, Death is Inevitable

Once again, this is unscientific, and doomsday propounders are drawing a paranoid conclusion. Currently, the mortality rate is estimated to be around 3.4%. As of date, there have been 3,388,936 COVID-19 cases, with 1,076,390 recoveries, and 238,937 deaths; while the rest are active cases.

So, for most of us, the effects of the disease will hopefully pass as seasonal flu. But older adults and those with underlying health conditions are at a higher risk of acquiring critical illness due to the virus.

Myth 3: Corona Can Be Cured By Drinking Very Hot Water Or Disinfectant

This is a false and dangerous statement that has been doing rounds on some social media platforms. The virus affects your respiratory system and causes subsequent symptoms. Drinking hot water cannot kill the virus; it can, at the most, alleviate symptoms of sore throat.

Drinking disinfectant to kill viruses is absurd beyond all forms of logic. There is no evidence at all of the virus being killed like this, but you can inevitably end up getting into the ER for severe poisoning!

Myth 4: Holding You Breath Is Also A Test To Check Whether You Have The Disease

Once again, this is a hoax. If this were accurate, testing kits and RT-PCR machines would not have been needed by countries across the globe. At best, it can be an excellent exercise to improve your breathing and lung functioning. But definitely, a baseless presumption to suggest as an alternative to authentic testing through swab analysis.

Myth 5: Only Old People Get Affected With Corona

People of all ages can get affected by COVID-19. The age range can be from newborn to a centurion. The point is no one can actually go ahead and say that he/she will not be affected by the disease.

But, yes, indeed, older people and those who have underlying health conditions or chronic diseases are more likely to be affected severely, compared to younger, perfectly healthy individuals.

Final remarks

Since all of us are vulnerable towards COVID-19, we should exercise caution and play our part in flattening the curve of this pandemic.

If you are looking for more information or have some questions or confusions regarding the current crisis, you can take a look at the following websites:

Do stay safe and stay at home , just remember we are all in this together!

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