Busting COVID-19 Myths

Coronavirus has been here long enough that we now have a substantial amount of information about it. However, a lot of misinformation too is propagated with the actual information which makes any person confused about what to do. Here are some common myths related to the virus which we are busting today

Myth: Masks don’t work as the virus is very small

Fact: Wearing a mask remains one of the most basic ways to prevent the spread of the virus. There is clear evidence that masks help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Anyone over the age of 2 should wear a mask covering the mouth and nose when out in public, and maintain a physical distance of at least six feet from others.

Myth: COVID-19 is like getting a cold.

Fact: Some coronaviruses can cause the common cold, but the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is different. “Mild to moderate COVID-19”, representing about 80% of cases, can manifest with fever and body aches in addition to upper respiratory symptoms, which is not common in people who get infected with an ordinary cold virus. Complications with a cold are rare, but they can happen. It’s true that people infected with the new coronavirus may not develop symptoms or may develop very mild symptoms, but this is equally as dangerous: Asymptomatic carriers of the virus can unknowingly spread it to people at risk of becoming critically ill.

Myth: Young people can’t get the virus.

Fact: People of all ages can be infected by COVID-19. Older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus. Everyone should take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example, by following good hand hygiene.

Myth: Pets can spread the virus.

Fact: There is no evidence to suggest that household pets are carriers of COVID-19. It is still recommended that you practice good hand hygiene after handling pets.

Myth: Home remedies like herbal teas, garlic, ginger, and ginger ale can cure or prevent the virus.

Fact: No home remedies can protect against COVID-19. This goes for vitamin C, essential oils, silver colloid, sesame oil, garlic, fish tank cleaner, sage, or water, even when a person sips it every 15 minutes. The best approach is to wash the hands frequently for 20 seconds at a time, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, wear a face-covering in public, and avoid crowded places.

Myth: If you can hold your breath for 20 seconds, you don’t have coronavirus.

Fact: There’s really no way for you to tell whether or not you have the virus, at least without going through official medical testing. A meme going around social media in the early days of the pandemic suggested that anyone who can hold a deep breath for more than 20 seconds without chest pain or tightness likely did not have coronavirus. The truth is that it’s possible to be infected and not show any symptoms at all. A person who looks and feels healthy, and can hold their breath without a problem could have the virus.

Myth: I’ve already been diagnosed with COVID-19, so I don’t need the vaccine.

Fact: If you have already had COVID-19, there’s evidence that you can still benefit from the vaccine. At this time, experts don’t know how long someone is protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. The immunity someone gains from having an infection, called n Regency Healthcare natural immunity, varies from person to person. Some early evidence suggests natural immunity may not last very long.

Do not fall prey to such myths. Get yourself and your loved ones vaccinated at one of the 3 Regency Hospital facilities in Kanpur and Lucknow! Regency Healthcare has started its COVID-19 vaccination drive for all eligible citizens above the age of 18 years in India. For a step by step process of the vaccination registration and FAQs, please visit https://regencyhealthcare.in/covid-19-vaccination/