COVID-19: Maintaining Awareness
- Career Connect
- Mar 25, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 14, 2020
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) currently occupies a large majority of domestic and global news in the media. Being as relevant as it is, there is also much misinformation regarding the disease, and it is important to distinguish the truth from the sensationalized “facts” we come in frequent contact with. This article will tackle some popular myths and conceptions regarding COVID-19.
Myth 1: COVID-19 only affects elderly people with pre-existing conditions
In fact, COVID-19 can infect people of any age. It is true that those with pre-existing medical conditions (such as diabetes or heart disease) seem to contribute to the amount of severe cases of illness. However, the World Health Organization still strongly advises people of all ages to take the necessary precautions to prevent infection.
Myth 2: Face masks will keep COVID-19 away.
In fact, most face masks are not effective in the sense that they won’t seal your nose and mouth area such that the virus cannot enter. Only certain models of professional-grade masks, such as the N95 respirator, are tight-fitting enough to do so. These masks are recommended only for health-care professionals and those with respiratory illnesses, to prevent them from going out of stock for those who really need them. This issue has escalated to a crisis, as healthcare workers deal with an extreme shortage of medical provisions, including masks. An alternative is to fashion a homemade mask that will not, of course, prevent COVID-19 from entering directly, but can keep you from touching your nose and mouth, significantly reducing your risk of infection.
Myth 3: Bleach, acetic acid, essential oils, salt water, saline, and other such substances will protect you from COVID-19.
n fact, these have not been proven to protect from the virus. Some of these practices can be detrimental to your health, as well. The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and hot water for 20 seconds. Avoid close contact with those who exhibit symptoms such as sneezing or coughing. Of course, self-isolation and social distancing are also strongly advised.
Myth 4: As soon a vaccine is developed, everything will go back to normal.
In many pop culture portrayals, the deadly disease is immediately and swiftly when scientists come up with an antidote to the illness. In fact, the process of green-lighting of a vaccine is a lengthy process. Though experimental vaccines are currently being tested, which is fortunate, they must go through several stages of verification. Experts estimate that 12 to 18 months will be required before a vaccine is available for global usage.
COVID-19 is not a matter to be taken lightly. That being said, paranoia and anxiety are harmful things to carry around, and we should remember that the current medical and civil protocol are designed to keep citizens safe. Though it is unfortunate that schools have been closed, it is for the best.
Stay safe, y’all! Try and enjoy the extended break (indoors)!
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