We all need to be savvier with online searches. It is because readily believing and sharing whatever shows up on our social media timelines could prove to be catastrophic for society. Unfortunately, this is exactly what happened when coronavirus popped up on the scene. People started spreading information without confirming the sources. As a result, within little to no time, the world was caught up in a plethora of misconceptions. Here are some of the most common myths that floated around in the aftermath of coronavirus.
You Will Get Infected Through Vaccines
It is impossible to get COVID-19 through vaccines. None of the vaccines approved by the FDA for emergency use contain a live virus. Moderna and Pfizer use messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNA), which give instructions to the body on how to make a protein. Your immune system then remembers the protein and subsequently attacks the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
You Can Get Virus From Pets
According to the CDC, there is no evidence that humans can contract COVID-19 from pets. However, the CDC and FDA both also state that the virus can spread from animals to people in exceptionally rare cases. Worldwide, a small percentage of coronavirus-positive animals have been discovered. Public health officials who have relevant degrees like online MHA no gre have better knowledge of the situation, and they advise pet owners to ensure their pets follow the same preventive steps as humans.
For example, you should not allow your pets to interact with other animals or people. Also, avoid dog parks and other areas that are crowded with animals and people.
The Virus Was Most Likely Created In A Laboratory
There is no scientific proof that the virus was created by humans. SARS-CoV-2 is very similar to MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. All three viruses appear to have originated from bats. SARS-CoV-2’s characteristics are similar to those of other naturally occurring coronaviruses, which have made the leap from animals to humans.
The “engineered in the lab” concept was also strongly refuted by a Nature Medicine study. The study highlighted that the key component of SARS-CoV-2 (known as the spike protein) would have almost certainly been found in nature. On top of that, it is likely that scientists would not have selected the mutations in SARS-CoV-2 if they were to create a deadly virus using computer models.
You Have Not Contracted Virus If You Do Not Experience Cough, Fever, And Asthma
COVID-19 is known for its characteristic symptoms, such as fever, difficulty in breathing, cough, etc. With that said, they are not the only signs. Muscle pain and losing the sense of taste are also some of the symptoms. There are also other less common symptoms, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
The Coronavirus Does Not Transmit To Children
Indeed, the coronavirus might not trigger too many health complications in children. But they are certainly not immune to the virus. A CDC study examined more than 1.3 million cases of COVID-19 among children aged 9 and less in the United States. It revealed that there were 52 confirmed cases per 100,000 children.
Another well-documented research showed that of the 52,000 COVID-19-related deaths reported from February to May, only 16 were reported to be under 18.
A Face Mask Will Not Protect You From Getting Infected
The use of masks for the face has been a controversial topic since the outbreak. In fact, this is arguably the most controversial and politically charged misconception. We were initially told that masks were not necessary for people who did not have regular contact with sick people. We were also instructed to save N-95 masks for frontline workers because of the continuing shortages.
But then, in an unexpected turn of events, masks became a necessity. Medical experts cited two reasons behind that. First, people can carry the virus to others even if they do not have symptoms. Second, the virus can spread through the air in small virus-containing drops called aerosols. Credible studies have shown that masks can reduce the number of droplets in the air that are released by a person’s nose up to 90 percent.
Vitamin C Supplements Can Keep You From Contracting Covid-19
Researchers have not yet found any evidence that vitamin C supplements can make people immune to COVID-19. However, it can reduce the severity of the cold. Vitamin C plays an important role in human health as well as supporting normal immune function. The vitamin acts as an antioxidant. It helps protect the body from pathogens by helping to synthesize hormones and build collagen.
While Vitamin C is a must in your daily diet to maintain a healthy immune response, supplements are unlikely to reduce your chances of contracting COVID-19. They may only give you a slight advantage over the virus if you do become infected. Furthermore, there is no conclusive evidence that COVID-19 can be prevented by other immune-boosting supplements, such as green tea, zinc, and echinacea.
Pandemics are not uncommon for humans. Throughout history, we have been exposed to several infamous pandemics. But the ongoing coronavirus is somehow taking precedence over the past pandemics in terms of myths, all thanks to rumors circulating on the internet. By coming to terms with the myths listed below, you are more likely to make informed decisions.