3 Myths of Viruses Debunked

Posted on June 30, 2020

Category: Urgent Care General Signs and Symptoms

These days, the Internet era has made everyone a “self-proclaimed expert”, and a lot of claims that are being made right now, especially on viruses, are inaccurate. The coronavirus topic is a largely searched topic online and has eclipsed other topics for the past few months. We get it, people are looking for quick, accurate information. Many times, myths clutter our timelines more than truth. During a pandemic, it’s important to know what’s true and what’s not.

Today, we’ll be debunking 3 myths about viruses.

Myth 1: It is impossible to get the flu or any other virus during the summer.

Yeah, this is false. It’s an old wives’ hat many of us are familiar with: You can only get the cold or the flu during winter months. But contrary to popular belief, it does not have to be cold outside to catch a cold, the flu or any other virus. While there is a determined flu season, that doesn’t mean people are immune outside of those months. Be aware that you may be infected with the summertime sniffles.

While everyone is hopeful that the coronavirus COVID-19 dwindles during the summertime, it’s not likely. In other parts of the world, COVID-19 has spread swiftly despite warm and humid weather. So, enjoy your summer, but do so safely. Always remember that summer temperatures do not mean a slower spread of disease.

Myth 2: COVID-19 is treatable or curable through medication.

While research is being conducted on a COVID-19 vaccine, as of now, nothing has been fully tested or confirmed to work. You’ve most likely heard about a drug or method that claims to prevent or treat COVID-19, however these are false claims. While several drug trials are going on, right now there is no definitive proof that existing drugs, such as hydroxychloroquine, or any other drug can cure or prevent COVID-19.

Follow this list for other products or methods that are incorrectly claiming to treat or prevent COVID-19:

  • Antibiotics. Antibiotics kill bacteria, but not viruses.
  • Disinfectants: While disinfectants can help kill germs, such as COVID-19 on surfaces, ingesting or injecting disinfectants are ineffective and can be deadly.
  • Hand dryers: Hand dryers are not effective in killing COVID-19. You should always thoroughly dry hands with paper towel after washing your hands.
  • Drinking alcohol: Drinking alcohol doesn’t protect you from COVID-19.
  • Ultraviolet disinfection light: UV light can be used as a disinfectant on surfaces, but do not use it to sterilize your hands.

 

Myth 3: You cannot get COVID-19 again if you’ve already had it and recovered.

This is a claim that is widely believed, however in reality, the verdict is still out. This is an open question, but more than 160 South Koreans have tested positive a second time for the novel coronavirus. The good news is that most people who have been infected with COVID-19 create antibodies. At the moment, it looks like the majority of people who've had COVID-19 are unlikely to get it again in the short term.

Watch this video for more information on the possibility of getting COVID-19 more than once.

[Imbed Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6UmEfovdOo]

Remember that testimonials aren’t a substitute for scientific evidence. You can help fight false information by knowing the facts. If you have a question about a method for treating or preventing COVID-19, reach out to SFSH Urgent Care.