Ever since January 21 2020 when the CDC confirmed the first Coronavirus case our world has turned completely upside down. In the midst of this pandemic many myths have come and gone so I’m here to bust some major COVID-19 myths. 

The Myth: COVID-19 is just like the flu. 

The Fact: Infection with the virus SARS-CoV-2 can cause COVID-19, an illness that can cause flu-like symptoms, such as body aches, a fever, and a cough. Symptoms of either COVID-19 or the flu can be mild, severe, or fatal. Both illnesses can also cause pneumonia. However, the overall profile of COVID-19 is much more serious. While the flu has unfortunately been cause of death for approximately 34,157 people this year, as of December third 2020, 1.5 million people have died worldwide, of that, 274,000 of those COVID-19 deaths have been from the United States. While scientists are still determining the exact mortality rate based on developing data, it is likely to be many times higher than that of the seasonal flu.

The Myth: Hand dryers kill the coronavirus.

The Fact: Hand dryers do not kill SARS-CoV-2. The best way to protect oneself and others from the virus is to wash the hands with soap and water frequently for at least 20 seconds at a time. When this is not possible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

The Myth: Masks don’t work

The Fact: Cloth face masks are effective. They create a barrier between your mouth and nose and those around you. This makes it more difficult for the droplets that spread coronavirus through coughs, sneezes and talking to reach other people. Some people have suggested that carbon dioxide from exhaling gets trapped under the cloth and can make you sick. This isn’t true. Properly fitted masks offer adequate airflow while still covering your nose and mouth. This makes the accumulation of carbon dioxide impossible. However, people with breathing problems, children under age 2, and those who can’t remove the mask without assistance should not wear one.

The Myth: You can protect yourself by gargling bleach. 

The Fact: No. Do I even need to explain this? It’s bleach, no good will ever come from inhaling, swallowing, gargling, or injecting bleach into your system. 

The Myth: You can catch the coronavirus from eating Chinese food in the US.

The Fact: No. It’s food. COVID-19 can’t be spread through food. 

The Myth: The outbreak began because people ate bat soup.

The Fact: COVID-19 did not come from bats, or from someone eating bat soup. Although a hilarious meme, no. Technically someone could cough on food and the virus would live on it, but the virus cannot be created in the food we eat. 

The Myth: 5G helps COVID-19 spread.

The Fact: Some people believe that 5G helps viruses communicate, often citing a paper from 2011. In this study, the authors conclude that bacteria can communicate via electromagnetic signals. However, experts exclude this theory. In any case, COVID-19 is a virus, not a bacterium. Wuhan was one of the first cities to trial 5G in China, which helps explain the origin of some of these theories. However, Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou also rolled out 5G at a similar time. 

The Myth: Taking hot baths prevents COVID-19.

The Fact: Taking a hot bath will not prevent you from catching COVID-19. Your normal body temperature remains around 97.7°F to 98.6°F, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower. Actually, taking a hot bath with extremely hot water can be harmful, as it can burn you. 

Sources: www.medicalnewstoday.comwww.cdc.gov/coronavirus

Correction 12/3/2020: While the flu has unfortunately been cause of death for approximately 34,157 people this year, as of December third 2020, 1.5 million people have died worldwide, of that, 274,000 of those COVID-19 deaths have been from the United States.