20 Coronavirus myths explored

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, a host of untruths has surrounded the topic. In this Special Feature, we address some of these myths and conspiracy theories.

In our Medical Myths series, we approach medical misinformation head on. Using expert insight and peer reviewed research to wrestle fact from fiction, MNT brings clarity to the myth riddled world of health journalism.

The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has spread from Wuhan, China, to every continent except Antarctica.

The World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source changed their classification of the situation from a public health emergency of international concern to a pandemic on March 11, 2020.

The virus has been responsible for tens of millions of infections globally, causing more than a million deaths. The United States has been the most affected country.

As ever, when the word “pandemic” began appearing in headlines, people became fearful — and with fear came misinformation and rumors.

Below, we dissect some of the most common myths currently circulating on social media and beyond.

1. Spraying chlorine or alcohol on the skin kills viruses in the body

Applying alcohol or chlorine to the skin can cause harm, especially if it enters the eyes or mouth. These chemicals can disinfect surfaces, but people should not use them on their bodies.

Also, these products cannot kill viruses inside the body.

2. Only older adults and people with preexisting conditions are at risk of infections and complications

SARS-CoV-2, like other coronaviruses, can transmit to people of any age. However, older adults and individuals with preexisting health conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, or asthma, are more likely to become severely ill.

While people under 40Trusted Source, including children, are less likely to become severely ill with COVID-19, the disease can lead to complications and death in anyone.

3. Children cannot get COVID-19

Anyone, of any age, can develop the infection that causes COVID-19.

So far, most COVID-19 cases have been in adults, but children are not immune. That said, most childrenTrusted Source who develop COVID-19 have mild symptoms or none at all.

Also, on May 15, 2020, the WHOTrusted Source released a commentary about an inflammatory condition in children and adolescents that may have links with COVID-19.

The condition, called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in childrenTrusted Source, known as MIS-C, has features similar to Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome.

Scientists currently know little about this condition, but researchTrusted Source from May suggests that it is rare, “probably affecting no more than 1 in 1,000 children exposed to SARS-CoV-2.”

4. COVID-19 is just like the flu

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 rarely, fatal. Both illnesses can also cause pneumonia.

However, the overall profile of COVID-19 is more serious. Different countries have reported different mortality rates, and the case fatality rate in the U.S. appears to be around 2.6%.

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.

Learn about the differences between COVID-19 and the flu here.

5. Everyone with COVID-19 dies

This is false. As we explain above, COVID-19 is fatal for a small percentage of people who develop the illness.

The WHO have reported that around 80%Trusted Source of people with COVID-19 experience a relatively form of the illness and do not need specialist treatment in a hospital. Mild symptoms may include a fever, a cough, a sore throat, tiredness, and shortness of breath.

Also, many people with the underlying infection experience no symptoms.

6. Cats and dogs spread the coronavirus

There have been several reportsTrusted Source of pets developing the infection, including in the U.S. In most cases, the pets became sick after coming into contact with people who had COVID-19.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, “There is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.”

Scientists are debating the importance of these cases in animals. For instance, Jonathan Ball, a professor of molecular virology at the University of Nottingham, in the United Kingdom, says:

“We have to differentiate between real infection and just detecting the presence of the virus. I still think it’s questionable how relevant it is to the human outbreak, as most of the global outbreak has been driven by human-to-human transmission.”

7. Face masks always protect against the coronavirus

Healthcare workers use professional face masks that fit tightly to protect themselves from infections.

Disposable and cloth masks can protect against droplets, but neither can protect against aerosolized particles.

The CDCTrusted Source recommend that all people wear cloth face masks in public areas where it is difficult to maintain a 6-foot, or 2-meter, distance from others. This helps slow the spread of the virus.

Even while wearing a mask, it is essential to continue with other precautions, such as not touching the face, physical distancing, and washing the hands frequently.

Instructions for making masks at home are available hereTrusted Source.

Surgical masks and N95 respirators provide greater protection, but reserve these for healthcare workers.

8. Hand dryers kill the coronavirus

Hand dryers do notTrusted Source 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.

9. SARS-CoV-2 is just a mutated form of the common cold virus

Coronaviruses are a large family, and each has spiky proteins on their surface. Some use humans as their primary hostTrusted Source and cause the common cold.

Other coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, primarily infect animals.

Like COVID-19, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) are caused by coronaviruses. These viruses also initially passed to humans from animals.

10. You have to be with someone for 10 minutes to catch the virus

The longer a person is close to someone with the infection, the likelier the virus is to transmit. However, the virus can pass from person to person in under 10 minutes.

11. Rinsing the nose with saline protects against the coronavirus

There is no evidence that a saline nasal rinse protects against any respiratory infections.

Some research suggests that a rinse might ease the symptoms of acute upper respiratory tract infections, but scientists have not found that this technique reduces the risk of infection.

12. You can protect yourself by gargling bleach

People should never put bleach in their mouths. Gargling bleach could never benefit a person’s health.

Bleach is corrosive and can cause serious damage.

13. Antibiotics kill the coronavirus

Antibiotics only kill bacteria. They do not kill viruses.

14. Thermal scanners can diagnose the coronavirus

Thermal scanners can detect whether someone has a fever — which might result from any number of health issues.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can appear 2–14 daysTrusted Source after the infection develops. This means that even if a person develops symptoms, they may have a normal temperature for days before a fever begins.

15. Garlic protects against coronaviruses

Some researchTrusted Source suggests that garlic may slow the growth of some species of bacteria. COVID-19 results from a virus, not bacteria.

There is no evidence that garlic can protect people from COVID-19.

16. Parcels from China can spread the coronavirus

From previous research into coronaviruses similar to SARS-CoV-2, including those that cause SARS and MERS, scientists believe that the virus cannot survive on letters or packages for extended periods.

The CDCTrusted Source explain that “Although the virus can survive for a short period on some surfaces, it is unlikely to be spread from domestic or international mail, products, or packaging.”

17. Home remedies can cure and protect against COVID-19

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, to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, to wear a face covering in public, and to avoid crowded places.

18. You can catch the coronavirus from eating Chinese food in the US

No, you cannot.

19. You can catch the coronavirus from urine and feces

This is likely false, but the jury is currently out. According to Prof. John Edmunds, from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, in the U.K.:

“It isn’t a very pleasant thought, but every time you swallow, you swallow mucus from your upper respiratory tract. In fact, this is an important defensive mechanism. This sweeps viruses and bacteria down into our gut where they are denatured in the acid conditions of our stomachs.”

“With modern, very highly sensitive detection mechanisms, we can detect these viruses in feces. Usually, the viruses that we can detect in this way are not infectious to others, as they have been destroyed by our guts.”

However, it is worth noting that some researchTrusted Source suggests that viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2 might persist in feces. A research letter in JAMATrusted Source also concludes that SARS-CoV-2 is present in feces.

20. The virus will die off when temperatures rise

Some viruses, such as cold and flu viruses, spread more easily in colder months. This does not mean that their transmission stops in warmer weather.

As it stands, scientists do not knowTrusted Source how temperature changes influence the behavior of SARS-CoV-2.