Myth vs. Fact
- Allison B.
- Mar 18, 2020
- 3 min read
One of the most common causes of anxiety is uncertainty, or "fear of the unknown." While there are a lot of unknowns about this virus, some questions are quickly being answered. Here are the most commonly "googled" facts about the virus as of today, March 18th.
Disclaimer: I am NOT a doctor, and these are simply questions that the public have asked and various health organizations have responded to-I am merely passing along the best practice guidelines for most people right now. Always consult your doctor for advice on your individual circumstances!
Myth: This is just like the flu.
Fact: This is a virus as opposed to a bacteria-based illness. The virus is called a "novel coronavirus," colloquially known as "the coronavirus." The sickness that is causes is called COVID-19. Because it is a virus, antibiotics are not effective against it and there are fewer pharmaceutical interventions (e.g. TamiFlu that may help) at this time. Being novel (new), COVID-19 is more dangerous than the flu because no one in the world has immunity against it, whereas there is immunity to most flus from flu shots and having had bugs that are similar to certain strain of flu.
Myth: There are home remedies to cure coronavirus.
Fact: No drugs are currently FDA approved to treat coronavirus. There are certainly things we can do to boost our immunity to give our bodies the best equipment before being infected (discussed in upcoming post!). There is some early information that indicates ibuprofen and other NSAIDs are NOT advised in managing fever/other symptoms, and may actually worsen a patient's condition. Acetaminophen (also known as Tylenol or paracetamol) is recommended instead. Additionally, there is some literature supporting the early supposition that Zicam can be used to reduce symptoms of this (and other viruses) when taken at the outset. While this information is helpful as many of us watch and wait...DO NOT SUBSTITUTE ANY OF THESE GUIDELINES FOR ADVICE GIVEN BY AN ACTUAL MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL.
Myth: Packages from China, Italy, Iran, and other highly affected areas are dangerous.
Fact: Due to poor survivability of virus on surfaces (especially cardboard), danger from products and packaging is low. This means that ordering food and other essentials online is preferable to going to the store where you might infect someone, or be infected yourself.
Myth: Kids cannot get coronavirus.
Fact: Guys, this virus does not care if you are 3 or 103. It can be acquired by people of any age, gender, race, ethnicity, religious creed, socioeconomic status, etc. Children under 10 are just as susceptible as the rest of the population. Unfortunately, it is an equal-opportunity infection.
Myth: Animals can spread coronavirus.
Fact: While there appeared at first glance to be a dog who tested positive for COVID-19, this appears to have been a false positive. The sample collected from the dog was collected from a superficial surface (e.g. fur) and the owner was infected with COVID-19. As it can survive on some surfaces longer than others, it survived briefly on the fur when tested, but the dog never got sick and there have been no other reported cases to date. THe CDC has since released a statement that this is not transferable to pets (zoonotic).
Myth: Spirits like vodka can be used as hand sanitizer when mixed with aloe vera.
Fact: Hard no. Please do not do this. The best use for vodka right now is the same that it has always been. In all seriousness, hand sanitizer needs to have 60% alcohol to be effective which these alcohols do not have. Washing hands with soap and water has clearly proved to be more effective, so whenever possible, conserve your hand sanitizer (not made at home) and opt for the old school method.
Myth: There is nothing we can do to stop the progression of the coronavirus. We just have to wait and see what happens.
Fact: There is so much we can do to help! If you have not already, begin social distancing NOW. As we attempt to flatten the curve (mentioned in previous post), we are able to reduce the inundated healthcare system so when we do get sick, the hospitals will have enough supplies for all people without needing to ration them. Practice handwashing and disinfect your home daily. For a full list of preventative steps we can take as a population, please go to the CDC website to stay up-to-date on best practices.
There is a lot of false information going around right now. Be sure to check your sources and investigate the information you receive before passing it along to others. Knowledge is power, and one of the benefits of having the world at our fingertips is the ability to fact-check ourselves and what we are hearing!
Prepare, don't panic.
-Allison
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