The new Coronavirus has tragically claimed the lives of millions globally, leading to widespread fear. This fear has, unfortunately, paved the way for many falsehoods about the virus. Since SARS-CoV-2 began spreading from China late last year, it has dominated the headlines. A pandemic of this magnitude, combined with limited knowledge about the virus, has resulted in a plethora of misinformation and rumors. Let's dive into some of the most prevalent myths circulating on social media.
Myth 1
Chlorine Spray Kills the Virus Inside the Body: Chlorine sprays are effective for disinfecting surfaces that are frequently touched, like doorknobs and tabletops. However, using such sprays on your body will not eliminate viruses that have already entered. In fact, these chemicals can irritate your eyes, nose, or mouth, causing more harm than good. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that chlorine-based disinfectants are for external use only and should never be ingested or applied to skin, as they do not target viruses within the body effectively.
Myth 2
COVID-19 Is Similar to the Flu: The illness caused by SARS-CoV-2 is not comparable to the flu. While both are contagious respiratory illnesses, they stem from different viruses. COVID-19 spreads more rapidly than the flu and can lead to severe complications for many. The incubation period for SARS-CoV-2 is longer, and individuals can remain contagious for extended periods. Although the exact mortality rate is still being studied (estimated around 6%), COVID-19 is indeed deadlier than the seasonal flu. Recent studies have shown that COVID-19 can lead to long-term health issues, including psychiatric morbidity, affecting survivors even months after infection [1].
Myth 3
Children and Youngsters Are Immune to COVID-19: The reality is that people of all ages can contract the new Coronavirus. Most cases reported have been in adults, but that doesn't imply that young adults and children are immune. Some research suggests that children are just as susceptible, albeit often experiencing milder symptoms. Links have also been found between COVID-19 and a serious inflammatory condition in children, known as multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), which may affect the heart and other crucial organs. This condition has raised significant concerns among health professionals regarding the impact of COVID-19 on younger populations [1].
Myth 4
You Can Get COVID-19 by Eating Infected Food: The likelihood of this happening is almost nonexistent, but it's still a topic of debate. The virus could potentially enter your system through mucus swallowed from the respiratory tract or from food touched by an infected person. However, stomach acids effectively destroy the virus, and any viral particles detected in feces cannot replicate or infect anyone. That said, researchers are still uncertain whether the virus is neutralized in individuals taking medications that lower stomach acid production. Current evidence suggests that foodborne transmission is not a significant risk [2].
Myth 5
Saline Nasal Rinse Protects Against Coronavirus: Currently, there is no evidence that saline nasal rinses can prevent COVID-19 or other respiratory infections. While this practice may alleviate symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, it does not reduce the risk of contracting the virus itself. Saline rinses can help clear nasal passages but have not been shown to have any antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2 [2].
Myth 6
Masks Should Be Used While Exercising: It's not advisable to wear a mask during exercise, as it can hinder your breathing. Masks may become damp from sweat, creating an environment for microorganisms to thrive. To reduce the risk of infection while working out, it's best to maintain physical distance and consider wearing a face shield instead. Health experts recommend that masks be used in crowded settings but can be relaxed during vigorous activity where social distancing is possible [4].
Myth 7
Drinking Alcohol Protects Against COVID-19: Many believe that consuming alcohol can disinfect the mouth and throat, providing protection against COVID-19. However, alcohol does not eliminate the virus and can compromise your immune system. While 60% alcohol is effective for disinfecting hands, ingesting it does not have the same effect. In fact, alcohol consumption can weaken your immune response, increasing your risk of severe infection if you do contract the virus [5].
If you're looking for reliable information or have questions about COVID-19, consider our online doctor consultation service. You can easily talk to a doctor online for expert advice. Moreover, our AI doctor is available to answer your queries and provide guidance at any time. Don't hesitate to reach out through our chat doctor feature for personalized assistance!
References:
- M M C Wong, S H Tsoi, N B W Lai, Y L Wong, K W Yip, Y Y Fung, E Y K Tso, I W C Mak, C M Chu, P F Pang. Psychiatric morbidity among SARS and COVID-19 survivors at 30 months post-infection.. PubMed. 2024.
- Somayeh Shatizadeh Malekshahi, Mohammad Farahmand, Hamzeh Choobin. SARS-CoV-2 Related Viral Respiratory Co-Infections: A Narrative Review.. PubMed. 2023.
- Peng Gao, Yanyan Fan, Xiaomu Kong, Rui Zhang, Lida Chen, Yongwei Jiang, Yi Liu, Meimei Zhao, Guoxiong Deng, Yongtong Cao, Liang Ma. A novel assay based on DNA melting temperature for multiplexed identification of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A/B viruses.. PubMed. 2023.
- Jasmine Samal, Reshu Agarwal, Anushka Soni, Amit Pandey, Shalini Thapar, Ekta Gupta. Co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 with other respiratory pathogens in patients with liver disease.. PubMed. 2022.
- Agnieszka Decyk, Milena Kobylińska, Katarzyna Antosik, Katarzyna Kurowska. Vitamin D in SARS-CoV-2 infection.. PubMed. 2022.