With the CDC’s recent announcement regarding the spread of the coronavirus within the United States, tensions surrounding the disease are at an all-time high. While media outlets keep people up to date on the illness, the information provided is not necessarily true—a lot of false data has been presented as fact, resulting in unnecessary confusion and fear.
In this article, we will break down the truth surrounding the virus and (hopefully) eliminate any misconceptions about the disease.
While scientists and doctors are still learning more about the coronavirus, here is the baseline you should know: the coronavirus is dangerous, but there is no need for panic. Treat it as you would a particularly bad flu.
What’s True About COVID-19
- The Wuhan coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, began in Wuhan, China. The designation can be broken down into three parts: COVI, referring to coronavirus; D, referring to disease; and 19, referring to the year it was discovered.
- A coronavirus is one of a large number of different viruses. Other notable members of this family include SARS and MERS.
- The symptoms of coronavirus closely mirror of those of colds and flu, including fever, cough, body aches, fatigue, and pneumonia.
- The coronavirus is contagious because it can be spread through prolonged exposure to someone that is ill, through droplets from a cough or sneeze, and through the air.
- There are currently 59 known cases of coronavirus in the United States, with several hundred people under close observation and quarantine because they might have been exposed.
- There have been roughly 2,700 deaths worldwide from the coronavirus. In comparison, the flu kills 30,000 people each in the United States.
Debunking Myths About COVID-19
- You cannot catch the coronavirus from a package shipped from China. While the virus can survive on surfaces, it does not live long enough to make the journey from China to the United States.
- The coronavirus can be killed by alcohol. However, rubbing alcohol will not kill a virus that has already entered your body.
- Garlic will not prevent the coronavirus. While garlic does have curative properties, there is no scientific evidence that shows it helps in prevention.
- While wearing a mask can help prevent the virus, the CDC does not recommend wearing a mask during routine travel to countries where the virus is not present.
- There is no evidence that a cat or dog can spread the coronavirus.
- The coronavirus affects all ages, but those most at risk are older people or those with preexisting health conditions.
- There is currently no vaccine against the coronavirus.
- Sesame oil does not kill the virus.
- You should not use ultraviolet lamps to sterilize your hands.
- Hand dryers are not effective in killing the virus.
- Antibiotics do not work on the coronavirus.
There is a prevailing idea that the coronavirus is one of the deadliest diseases to ever strike the planet, but it is far from it. In fact, the vast majority of deaths have been in people with already-compromised health or older people. At this stage, it seems the virus lasts for two to three weeks at most, with milder cases ending before that.
Something important to note is that there have been zero deaths in the United States so far. Compare that to the flu, where there have been more than 15 million cases, more than 100,000 hospitalizations, and over 10,000 deaths. The coronavirus isn’t something to take lightly, but it is also far less dangerous than the common flu. Ignore the ridiculous ideas on how to protect yourself against the virus and listen to what the CDC and your doctor recommend for handling cold and flu season: wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds, avoid spending time around people who are ill, and if you want to wear a mask, wear the right one.
Many people have purchased masks at hardware stores, but these are completely ineffective. The majority of masks are designed to block large droplets, but not the incredibly small size of a virus. At present, the coronavirus has been measured to 0.125 microns. In comparison, most bacteria are 0.2 to 2 microns in size. Many healthcare professionals say that the only people that require masks are those that work around potentially-infected individuals. The average member of the public does not need to invest in one.
In closing, no one knows how widespread the coronavirus will become. However, taking common precautions—washing hands, avoiding contact, and monitoring your own health—will go a long way toward preventing the situation from growing worse.
Image credit: Steve Buissinne