The outbreak of novel coronavirus has been responsible for tens of millions of infections globally, with the latest COVID-19 deaths – reported now exceeding 6.5 million (as of October 2022). When the WHO announced the situation as a pandemic, people became fearful, and with that came so much misinformation and myths.
Let’s clarify some of the myths about COVID-19
If The Test Is Negative, Then I Am Safe
If the test comes negative, it means you were not infected at the time of your test. Also, if you get tested too soon after being exposed to the virus, then it is too soon for the symptoms to show up on the test. So, getting a negative test does not mean you are safe. There is also a possibility of false negatives.
Spraying Chlorin or Alcohol on the Skin Can Kill the Virus
This only harms your skin and damages other tissues, particularly if it enters the eyes and mouth. Also, these products cannot kill viruses inside the body. Using the recommended sanitizers and soaps could help.
If You Already Had COVID-19, You Do Not Need to Be Vaccinated
The natural immunity you get after COVID-19 varies from person to person and there is no knowledge of how long it will last. Even if you were already recovered from COVID-19, WHO recommends that individuals be vaccinated to enhance their immune systems.
Rinsing the Nose with Saline Can Stop COVID-19
Evidence shows rinsing your nose with saline solution can help us recover faster from the common cold, but cannot prevent infectious respiratory diseases or COVID-19.
A COVID-19 Vaccine Can Make Me Sick With COVID-19
The vaccine teaches our immune system how to identify and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Symptoms such as fever may occur during this process, but these are normal and it indicates that our body is building protection against the virus.
I Have Had COVID-19, So I Am Immune
Scientists say that it is possible to get infected more than once from COVID-19. Research is still going on how likely you may get infected again, and how high the chances are and how often it can happen.
I Won’t Be Able to Get or Stay Pregnant If I Take A COVID-19 Vaccine
This myth has been going around on social media stating that the COVID-19 vaccines will bind to proteins in the placenta and stop pregnancy. Scientific studies don’t support this idea, and no evidence links COVID-19 to infertility.
Takeaway
There are so many myths around COVID-19 and creating public awareness is one of the most effective ways in minimizing the spread of infection and fight it back. Believing or sharing inaccurate information about COVID-19 is very dangerous to you and the people around you. If you have any questions related to COVID-19, then please refer to these official websites.
Official Website Links: