We dispel some common myths about COVID-19 and give you additional resources if you are looking to learn more.
Editor’s note: This article was published on March 18, 2020. COVID-19 information and recommendations are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website or view our most recent COVID-19 blog posts.
With novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases on the rise in Wisconsin and throughout the world, there have been many articles and much content shared on the topic. Unfortunately, this wealth of information has led to some misconceptions about the virus. Below, we dispel some common myths about COVID-19 and give you additional resources if you are looking to learn more.
“Masks don’t work because the COVID-19 virus is small and can go through the mask. ”
It’s true that the virus itself is miniscule, but the way it spreads is by hitch hiking on respiratory droplets, which are too large to go through a mask.
Learn more about mask myths by clicking here
“A mask with a valve protects me and everyone around me.”
Masks with valves protect the person wearing the mask, but not the people around them. The valve allows your unfiltered breath out of the mask.
“Only elderly people are at risk.”
As a new virus, no one is immune to COVID-19. However, it is important to know that some individuals are at a higher risk of getting very sick if they contract the virus. This includes:
- Elderly men and women.
- People who have chronic medical conditions like heart and lung disease or diabetes.
“There is nothing I can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
There are many simple things everyone can do, such as washing hands frequently, avoiding large crowds, wearing a mask in public and staying home when you’re sick.
“Hydroxychloroquine is an approved treatment for COVID-19”
The FDA recently cautioned against using Hydroxychloroquine outside of a hospital setting or clinical trial due to risk of heart rhythm problems. There is little information on the benefits of the drug when used for COVID-19 and more research is needed.
“Ingesting or drinking substances like bleach will protect you from COVID-19”
Do not introduce cleaning products such as bleach, methanol or ethanol into your body under any circumstances. WHO notes that these substances will have no impact on the virus, are poisonous and will harm your internal organs.
“The virus could spread through the food that I eat.”
Before preparing or eating food, it is important that you practice proper hand hygiene. However, there is a very low risk of the virus being spread from food products and currently no evidence that supports transmission of COVID-19 via food.
Resources:
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Marshfield Clinic Coronavirus Updates
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I am confused. You state that no one is immune until they have been infected with Covid-19? I have read many times that people are over it and getting infected again.
Hi Alan,
Our apologies for the confusion. We have corrected the area that was misleading, as that was from a prior date.
'According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases of reinfection with COVID-19 have been reported, but remain rare.' If you would like to read more about the topic, this recent blog post covers that question in greater detail.
If you would like to read more about the topic, this recent blog post covers that question in greater detail:
https://shine365.marshfieldclinic.org/wellness/recovered-from-covid-3-things-to-know/
Thanks,
Jake
I've heard so much talk about, if you've had the virus and came thru it, can you get it again? Many people say, no, you cannot get it again. What's the actual information about this? Thanks for your help.
Hi Ronn,
'According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases of reinfection with COVID-19 have been reported, but remain rare.' If you would like to read more about the topic, this recent blog post covers that question in greater detail.
https://shine365.marshfieldclinic.org/wellness/recovered-from-covid-3-things-to-know/
Hope that helps,
Jake
So If Hydroxychloroquine is not an approved treatment, when will us People who have taken it for RA and Other illnesses be able to continue their treatment of it? It has been completely withheld over a month ago.
Hi Bonnie,
Thanks for reaching out. A limited supply of hydroxychloroquine is available due to the increased interest in using it as treatment for COVID-19. As a result, this shortage has affected patients who take the medication for diseases like lupus or arthritis. At Marshfield Clinic Health System, we are working to conserve the supply of hydroxychloroquine for use in these patients and those in clinical trials. If you would like to read more, you can click here: https://shine365.marshfieldclinic.org/wellness/hydroxychloroquine/