Clearing the air on COVID

In this new era, there has been a breakdown of trusted information sources. The growth of this online information environment has meant information is networked by our peers in group chats and live videos. As is bound to happen, some theories and conspiracies have been spread about this novel Coronavirus. Let’s see if we can ferret out some truths about this disease and bust some of these COVID myths.

Myth # 1: The new coronavirus was deliberately created or released by people in China.
No. Viruses change over time and it is not uncommon for a virus that is commonly found in animals like bats to mutate and pass on to humans.

Myth # 2: Younger people cannot get the coronavirus.
Oh no Millenials & Gen Z, you were not left out of this one. Anyone of any age and race can get the new coronavirus, though older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions appear to be more vulnerable to serious infections. Sorry, no FOMO here.

Myth # 3: Ordering or buying products shipped from overseas will make a person sick.
Research is still ongoing but currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) says that the likelihood of becoming infected with COVID-19 from a commercial package is low since it has likely traveled over several days and been exposed to different temperatures and conditions during transit. With that being said, go ahead and check your mail. The coronavirus doesn’t stay alive for long on objects and surfaces.

Myth # 4: Home remedies can cure or prevent COVID
Now garlic may help shorten your cold, and water is a good expectorant to help thin out mucus there is no evidence that steaming, or drinking these will help fight the coronavirus. Same goes for sipping water every 15mins. It’s a good idea to stay hydrated but don’t overdo it. Too much water could actually throw off your electrolytes and land you in the hospital with hyponatremia.

Myth # 5 : You can protect yourself from COVID-19 by injecting, swallowing, bathing in or rubbing onto your body bleach, disinfectants or rubbing alcohols.
NO! While these products may be used to clean surfaces, they are highly toxic and should never be swallowed or ingested into the body. Call 911 if this occurs.

Myth # 6 : You can use vodka to make hand sanitizer.
This was popular when all the stores were sold out of rubbing alcohol, and no, you CANNOT use vodka. You need 60% alcohol to make a good enough disinfectant and vodka has only 40%.

Myth # 7 : Heat can kill the virus.
For those of you waiting for summer sun rays to burn the coronavirus out of your lives, I have bad news for you. Heat does not kill the virus. Ask the countries along the equator-they got it too.

Myth # 8: The antimalarial drugs hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine will help cure COVID.
In as much as I wish we had a cure, there is no evidence that these drugs treat coronavirus infections. There IS evidence of these drugs leading to cardiac arrhythmia and death especially when used in conjunction with azithromycin, another drug that has been touted as a cure for COVID.

Myth # 9 : A vaccine to cure COVID-19 is available.
No, there is currently no vaccine for COVID-19. Scientists all over the world are working furtively towards a vaccine but none have been released yet.

Myth # 10 : We don’t need to wear masks.
I’ve observed and heard this recently and the answer is 2 fold. Because of shortages, it suggested that the N-95 masks be saved for use by healthcare professionals and frontline workers who are definitely in constant contact with the virus. The virus is spread via respiratory droplets so for the general public, even a cloth mask or any facial covering is effective in reducing the spread.
And now for the bonus myth that inspired this article…..

Myth # 11 : COVID-19 means there were 18 other COVIDs.
Umm, NO. There is a formula for how viruses are named. In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease and the ’19’, is because it was discovered in 2019. Viruses are named based on their genetic structure. This helps facilitate the development of diagnostic tests, vaccines and medicines.

The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense. Proverbs 10:21 – NIV

Whenever we are given information, its necessary that we evaluate the source of the information. Who is giving the information? Check their credentials. Are they an authority on the subject? Is there a bias? Is the person pushing an agenda? When it comes to COVID (or any disease) , the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and are trusted sources of information. As our screens are bombarded with what may or may not be truths about the Coronavirus, may The Father bless us with wisdom and discernment that we might know what’s right and not just hit the ‘share’ button.