Top 11 Misconceptions About COVID-19 / Coronavirus - Old School Labs
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Home  /  OSL Blog  /  Top 11 Misconceptions About COVID-19 / Coronavirus

Top 11 Misconceptions About COVID-19 / Coronavirus


Key Takeaways

  1. Misinformation is spreading like wildfire in some areas. Maybe even faster than the novel coronavirus.
  2. For some, it’s hard to separate fact from fiction and know what to believe.
  3. Here are the top 10 misconceptions that are being spread, including only the elderly can get it, pets can spread it, and heat or cold can kill it.
  4. Facts from the CDC, WHO, and other reputable resources are provided to debunk some of these. We’ve also included the truth behind some of the falsehoods that have been spread around.

The novel coronavirus is continuing to spread throughout the United States and other parts of the world. Depending on where you live, you may be seeing spiking numbers daily or the beginning of the curve flattening.

You may have received notice within the last week or two that your gym has shut down. Don’t worry about not being able to get in an effective workout. We’ve provided a guide for both gym and at-home workouts for you (whether you have equipment of not): COVID-19: Prevention, At-Home Workouts, and Gym Hygiene.

Today, we’re going to focus on separating fact from fiction. There is so much misinformation and misconception going around about the coronavirus (COVID-19).

It can be very frightening and panic-inducing depending on what you’re reading. We’re here to help you know the truth from reputable sources.

What’s the first thing you can do? Take absolutely everything you read on social media with a grain of salt. Unless it comes from a reputable source like:

Of course, these aren’t the only places to get factual information. But they are some of the places you can go to fact check whatever it is you’re reading to know if it’s factual.

It’s easy to panic and think the world is ending at a time like this. None of us have ever seen something similar in our lifetime and hope to never see this again.

Separating Fact from Fiction

Here are some things that are going around that could be fact or fiction as it relates to the virus. To keep you informed, there are now more ways to refer to the virus including:

  • Novel coronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • 2019-nCoV
  • SARS-CoV-2 (not to be confused with the original SARS virus, SARS-CoV-1)

We will use these terms interchangeably throughout, so just know they all mean the same virus.

Misconception 1: I’ve had the flu and/or pneumonia vaccine, so I’m covered

Sorry, this is false. As of now, there is no vaccine for the specific strain of coronavirus called COVID-19. This is a brand new strain, which is why it’s called the novel coronavirus.

Man with Flue Holding Tea

Researchers are working hard to put one together, though. Earlier this week, the National Institute of Health announced that they are enrolling participants in a trial for an experimental vaccine.

Right now, it’s only open to healthy adults in the Seattle, WA area. If you want to learn more, here is the link. The trial will take six weeks and then an undetermined amount of time before the vaccine is released, if successful.

Misconception 2: You can make yourself immune against the coronavirus through supplements or diet

Supplements and diet can help your immune system, but can’t help you from catching the coronavirus.

Our immune system is reliant on complex coordination between cells, organs, proteins, and tissues throughout our body. Each one requires adequate levels of certain vitamins and nutrients in order to do its job.

We certainly know that a person can impair their immune system by not giving the body (its cells, organs, etc..) the proper amount of each nutrient thought diet alone. Therefore, supplements may be very useful in providing aid to reach the optimal functioning level of your immune system.

So it’s more accurate to say that products can ensure your immune system is prepared, and “boosting” it that way.

It would be nice if there were a specific magic ingredient to help fight against this particular virus, but there simply is no evidence of that. Although, here is a list of vitamins and nutrients that are widely accepted to be associated with optimal immune system function:

  • Vitamin D – usually provided by exposure to sunlight, it can also be found in egg yolk, fish, and offal. With many of us quarantined indoors, it would be wise to consider a supplement.
  • Zinc – known to be important for proper immune system functioning, a deficiency has been linked to lowered immune response.
  • Vitamin C – long accepted as essential in its role to proper immune function, it is always a good idea to make sure you are getting the recommended daily amount of 65 to 90 (mg).
  • B Vitamins – B6, B12, and B9 have all been linked to aiding proper immune response.

Misconception 3: I can just go to my doctor and get antibiotics if I get the virus

False. First off, antibiotics only work on bacterial infections, not viruses.

Virus Close Up

Second, there is currently no medication that can be used to cure COVID-19. There is a clinical trial that just started to investigate antiviral drugs, but nothing on the market yet. 

Much like an effective vaccine, it could take months for a successful antiviral to reach the market.

The CDC recommends you only go to the doctor after one or more of the following scenarios:

  • You’ve been in contact with someone who has COVID-19
  • You’re exhibiting symptoms on the virus
    • Cough/sneeze
    • Fever
    • Shortness of breath
  • You’ve been in contact with your doctor over the phone first and they told you to come in

These measures are in place to protect you, your family, and the health of the doctors, staff, and their families.

Misconception 4: If I feel I have symptoms, I can get tested anytime 

As of right now, that’s not always an option. There are not enough tests anywhere (in the US) to go around. That means that only those at the highest risk will be tested. Testing is being done in all 50 states for those who are eligible.

Doctor Sharing Test Results

If you are able to get tested, chances are you can get it done for low cost or even free. Check out the list on the American Health Insurance Plans website to see if your health insurance carrier is listed.

Many people who do get the virus can shelter at home and allow it to run its course. The CDC has provided in-home guidelines for those ineligible for testing.

Misconception 5: The virus can’t live in hot (or cold) temperatures

As of right now, 2019-nCoV can live at any temperature. So, even if you can travel, you might not want to leave home for a different climate to shake the spread.

Man Washing Hands From Coronavirus

According to the World Health Organization, the best way to protect yourself is by washing your hands often. Use soap and water, lathering your hands for at least 20 seconds before washing them.

Misconception 6: Mosquitos (and/or pets) are helping to spread the virus

Depending on where you live, mosquitoes are alive and well, even though we just reached spring. While mosquitoes can transmit some nasty diseases, this one doesn’t seem to be one of them

It is most likely that this virus is spread between humans in close contact with each other. By breathing in droplets from saliva or mucus or touching a surface that still has a live virus, people are getting infected.

Originally, it was said that pets could transmit the virus to humans. As of a couple of days ago, the CDC is stating there’s no evidence to support this for COVID-19.

This particular virus, along with SARS and MERS, is thought to have originated in bats. This sparked a theory that grew as the first people tested positive.

Coronavirus Spreading

Initially, the first cases in China were said to have come from exposure to animals/a live fish market. Even if that’s true, once more and more patients showed no signs of contact with them, it indicated human-to-human spread.

To be safe though, wash your hands thoroughly before you touch your face after petting an animal.

Misconception 7: How often should I clean and disinfect?

It depends on the surface. A recent study by The New England Journal of Medicine was done comparing COVID-19 to SARS. This strain is the most related to the current human coronavirus.

Cleaning Surface of Coronavirus

Researchers found that the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, can stay on the following surfaces for a minimum of:

  • Aerosol (in the air): 3 hours
  • Plastic: 72 hours
  • Stainless steel: 48 hours
  • Copper: 4 hours
  • Cardboard: 24 hours

The best thing to do is wipe down high-traffic surfaces often like doorknobs, remotes, phones, counters, etc. Maintain a safe distance of at least six feet from others to keep germs from spreading through droplets from sneezing or coughing.

Use the proper cleaning and disinfecting products to keep your surfaces coronavirus-free.

Misconception 8: Ordering items from China will make me sick

It’s true that the virus originated in China. But it’s not true that you’ll get sick from ordering a product from there to the United States. 

We just learned in the last section that this strain of coronavirus can’t live but a few days on surfaces. So, it stands to reason that, unless your order is arriving from China faster than those timelines, by the time it reaches your doorstep, the virus is gone.

Man Signing for Package

This goes the same for ordering food (carryout or delivery only, in most places). 2019-nCoV is not a food-borne illness, so unless someone is infected and handles your food / packaging in an unsanitary manner, you’re safe.

Misconception 9: Only old people can get infected with the coronavirus

This definitely is not true. All across the country and world, people of all ages are testing positive. Children are showing the smallest numbers with the mildest symptoms currently.

The elderly can be more susceptible than other age groups. Anyone, regardless of age, with the following health conditions are also considered high-risk:

  • Lung disease
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Asthma 

For those people, it’s best to self-isolate as much as possible until the virus subsides.

Misconception 10: The coronavirus was deliberately spread

This is a popular one going around social media and on some less-repurable news outlets, as do conspiracy theories usually. There is no current evidence to support this theory.

Man Wearing Mask amidst coronavirus

Viruses are able to mutate and change over time. Evidence shows that’s what happened with this virus and not that it was lab-created or geoengineered. You can thank natural selection for the SARS-CoV2.

Since the virus can be spread so easily, people can help by reducing in-person interactions as much as possible. 

Misconception 11: The virus is going to end everything we know

While it may feel that way given how everything is shutting down, let’s gain some perspective.

The seasonal flu infects millions, each and every year. While most recover, some don’t. Here are some numbers from the CDC:

  • 2017 to 2018 season:
    • Infected: 45 million
    • Hospitalized: 810,000
    • Dead: 61,000
  • 2016 to 2017 season:
    • Infected: 29 million
    • Hospitalized: 497,000
    • Dead: 38,000

Some years are better than others, but you can find all the numbers going back to the 2010 to 2011 season here.

Yes, it feels like the whole world is shutting down. This is unprecedented in our lifetime. And it can be scary.

However, perspective can help keep us from panicking or putting anxiety through the roof. There’s a reason a lot of health officials are saying to stay off social media and not stream the news all day.

States are working hard to flatten the curve and reduce the number of cases.

If you’ve ever had the flu, you likely got better. You may have even had it more than once. The coronavirus is an upper respiratory infection that for many, can be milder than the seasonal flu.

Large Group of People

At this time, one thing is for sure, the new coronavirus should be taken seriously. This virus spreads easily and the number of undetected cases are fueling community spread.

According to a study by Johns Hopkins researchers, incubation is at least 5 days or more. And the efficient way that this virus sheds, on top of everything else, is why social distancing is crucial.

What’s the Truth Surrounding Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Now that we’ve debunked some of the most important misconceptions, we want to make sure you know the truth.

Here are the cold, hard facts about COVID-19:

  • Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the best form of prevention.
    • Rubbing your hands dry after using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol is the next best option.
  • There is no cure as of now, so social distancing is a must to provide the best chances of not contracting or spreading the virus.
    • This is especially true if you’ve come in contact with someone who has tested positive or exhibiting the known symptoms.
    • Maintain a safe distance (at least six feet) of others in shared space as much as possible.
  • There is also no vaccine yet, but many different hospitals, doctors, and organizations are working tirelessly for one.
  • Sneeze or cough into your elbow to avoid spreading potential virus-laden droplets onto surfaces.
    • The novel coronavirus can stay on hard surfaces for several days, use approved and known virus-killing products to clean them daily.
    • If you must use a tissue, throw it away immediately.
  • An approved mask (such as the n95 mask) is more useful for those infected to contain spread to others if they have to go out of quarantine. 

Final Thoughts

Technology has allowed us to be up-to-date on everything. When something like this happens, it’s easy to get sucked into the hype.

However, spreading false information can be dangerous. It causes people to panic and clean out stores, fight with strangers, and feel like the world is ending.

At the end of this pandemic, the US (& world) will be different. Hopefully, we’ll come out of this with more acceptance and a feeling of community with those around us.

For now, stay safe and healthy, and maintain a safe distance from others.

For many of us, life is forcing us to slow down. Use this time valuably so that when things are back to normal, you can hit the ground running. Keep yourself focused on your goals, especially with nutrition and fitness. Adapt, and keep it Old School!

Let’s chat in the comments. How are you doing with the lockdown? How are your home workouts going? Have you seen some of the misinformation going around? Which? Are you taking a break from social media? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Disclaimer: None of the individuals and/or companies mentioned necessarily endorse Old School Labs products or the contents of this article. Any programs provided for illustration purposes only. Always consult with your personal trainer, nutritionist and physician before changing or starting any new exercise, nutrition, or supplementation program.
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