03 Apr COVID-19: Myths and Facts
Trusting information is tough these days. Maybe we should relabel the “information age” as the “age of irony”. An ocean of information with no real way to filter. There is an undeniable social phenomenon with being “first to print” or…”first to post”. There is social currency in breaking news. Whether it’s CNN or Aunty Judy’s recent Facebook post, it’s hard to trust the corona-circus. Is your source wanting a click, like or comment or are they wanting to inform? In this article we’re hoping to dispel some myths surrounding this pandemic and want to give real practical advice to help you stay healthy.
Myths About COVID-19
Youth ≠ Immunity
Several weeks ago, people started to believe that the young and healthy should not be concerned with coronavirus. It is true that the vast majority of serious cases are found in the elderly, those with compromised immune systems, and those with underlying medical concerns, such as diabetes or heart disease. However, this does not mean that young and healthy people cannot fall ill to coronavirus. The virus can be contracted by the very young and it can infect healthy individuals, too. If you get coronavirus, you can also spread it to others in the vulnerable populations previously mentioned. Thus, it’s best to take precautions, even if you are young and otherwise very healthy.
Stop Spraying Yourself with Lysol
Another myth about coronavirus is that you exterminate the virus by spraying yourself with alcohol or disinfectants. According to the World Health Organization, spraying yourself with disinfectants cannot cure you from coronavirus. If the virus has already entered your body, spraying yourself won’t help. In fact, spraying yourself with chemicals can do more harm than good. Chemicals can irritate skin and cause allergic reactions. However, you can use alcohol and bleach on surfaces in your home to help kill the virus. Cleaning your home with household cleaning products is recommended.
This is NOT the Flu
Another myth about coronavirus is that it can be controlled with a flu shot. This is not true. The flu shot can help protect against some strains of flu, but it cannot be used to treat coronavirus. As the Centers for Disease Control has reported, there is currently no known vaccine for coronavirus.
Facts About Coronavirus
Washing Your Hands Works
Many healthcare experts have given advice on how to help protect yourself against coronavirus. For starters, washing your hands is one of the basic things you can do. Wash your hands for at least twenty seconds each time, and be sure to use soap. You should wash your hands multiple times throughout the day.
Stop Touching Your Face & Disinfect What You do Touch
When you are around others, do not touch your face, mouth or eyes. You should also be mindful of surfaces that most people touch. For instance, you should disinfect door handles, countertops and other commonly touched surfaces. Some scientific reports have found that the virus can live on certain surfaces for 2-3 days, including surfaces made of plastic and stainless steel. However, regular household cleaning products, such as bleach, can help disinfect and kill the virus when you wipe surfaces with these products.
Spreading COVID-19 is Social Science
Another fact about coronavirus is that it can be easily spread from one person to another. If someone coughs or sneezes on you, then you could get the virus. Be especially careful when you come in contact with others. Treat everyone as if they might have the virus. Stay at least six feet away from others when at all possible. Avoid crowds. Many state and local governments have told residents to shelter in place. This means that you should avoid leaving home when at all possible.
Some of us Have to Work
However, not everyone is able to stay home. Some workers are reporting to work. If you must go to work, you should consult with your supervisor about extra precautionary measures that can be put in place to help you stay healthy. For starters, ask if meetings with other employees can be cancelled or postponed. Disinfect your workspaces, too.
Symptoms are Specific
Some symptoms of coronavirus are fever and coughing. Patients are also prone to shortness of breath. In severe cases, a person might have persistent chest pain or pressure in the chest. If this happens to you or someone you know, seek immediate medical attention. Confusion or a bluish color on the face or lips are also considered serious symptoms that should be treated immediately.
If you do have symptoms of COVID-19, you should contact your physician or a local hospital for help. They can advise you in regards to the best plan of care for you.
We’re All in This Together
People who are elderly or already suffering from medical conditions are a vulnerable population. Healthcare facilities and nursing homes are doing all they can to keep facilities safe and sanitary. Auburn Crest Hospice is currently keeping abreast of the situation by monitoring COVID-19 updates given by state and federal healthcare experts.