7 misconceptions about coronavirus that can lead to illness

Mankind has been fighting the COVID-19 pandemic for almost a year now. Nevertheless, the virus has not been fully studied, and on the Internet you can find many myths about it and unreliable information that can lead to the disease. Mikhail Lebedev, a leading expert of the Molecular Diagnostics Center of the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor, will help to dispel misconceptions.

Myth 1: a mask should be worn only by people with symptoms of the disease

Many people ignore the recommendations of the World Health Organization, according to which everyone should wear a mask, regardless of whether you have symptoms of the disease. Someone motivates the refusal of the mask by its uselessness, someone believes that absolutely healthy and can not infect others. However, these are all misconceptions.

Mikhail: A mask can protect not only from coronavirus, but also from any other viruses, and not only. Since it is a means of personal protection from infections, the main route of transmission of which is airborne. The mask, of course, can pass virus molecules, if you imagine that they are on their own. But since all viruses are in droplets of liquid, the mask does its job just fine.

Even if you do not have obvious signs of illness, the epidemiologist advises not to neglect this precautionary measure. The fact is that coronavirus infection in a significant number of cases (up to 25%) is asymptomatic. The person does not seem to be ill, but may well be a source of infection. That is why everyone should wear a mask.

Myth 2: hot water kills the virus

Drinking hot water for disinfection purposes is not worth it, it is not only useless, but can also cause harm. Washing your hands with boiling water will not work, and drinking it to destroy the virus is also dangerous and pointless. “If we consider boiling water as a means of disinfecting surfaces, then theoretically it can kill the virus, but it is better to use an antiseptic. It is much easier and more effective,” notes the expert.

Myth 3: antiseptic is more effective than hand washing

Hand washing with soap and water is as effective as disinfection with antiseptic. However, the epidemiologist recommends washing hands more often. And alcohol solutions should be used only when there is no access to water and soap.

Myth 4: you can avoid infection with the help of folk remedies

On the vastness of the Internet you can find a lot of tips to strengthen immunity. Some recommend eating garlic, ginger and lemon to protect yourself from the virus. However, despite the benefits of these products, you should not forget about the basic means of personal protection.

Michael: Garlic, ginger and lemon are indeed very useful, as they are sources of vitamins. But their role in strengthening immunity and preventing infection is greatly exaggerated. They can be used, but only in combination with basic methods of protection: distancing yourself, wearing a mask, washing your hands, etc.

One of the most popular tips to protect against coronavirus: regular nasopharyngeal flushing with saline solution. However, the benefits of this procedure are also exaggerated. The epidemiologist believes that rinsing is only suitable as a supplement to basic precautions, but you should not rely solely on it.

Myth 5: runny nose cannot be a symptom of coronavirus

Belief in this myth may entail a person’s negligent attitude towards the health of others. Although a runny nose (aka rhinitis) is not one of the main clinical symptoms of coronavirus infection, it can also occur during infection. And having a runny nose certainly does not exempt you from getting tested for the virus.

What else you need to know about COVID-19, see in the video “Championship”.

Myth 6: It is impossible to get sick with coronavirus again

While the virus is not fully studied, scientists cannot give precise data on how exactly immunity to the disease is developed. However, it is safe to say that even if you have had an infection, you should take all precautions.

Mikhail: To date, there are no convincing and fully proven cases of re-infection. The data that are available suggest that re-infection is an exception and is more likely to be related to the immunity of a particular person. How long the immunity lasts, we do not know yet. There is a lot of research: according to some reports – six months, according to others – a year. Only time will tell with accuracy.

Myth 7: The flu shot also protects against coronavirus

Vaccination against one disease cannot protect against another. Therefore, the flu vaccine will not help your body protect against COVID-19. The flu shot will also not protect against cholera or, for example, dysentery.

Each virus, each bacteria needs its own vaccine.

Your own health and the health of others should not be treated negligently. Therefore, do not try to find an excuse that would allow you not to wear a mask, and do not believe baseless myths. Rely only on official sources and data supported by the opinion of specialists and competent organizations. Take care of yourself and take care of others.