COVID-19 Myths You Should Not Believe
Even more than a year after the start of the pandemic, a lot of information continues to circulate about the Coronavirus, often on social media. And while some of the information is helpful, there’s plenty of COVID-19 misinformation and rumors being shared along the way. This misinformation can lead to widespread fear – it can even encourage someone to try something dangerous to prevent or treat a COVID-19 infection. That’s why it’s so important to know what’s true and what isn’t, so you can make informed decisions.
COVID research continues, and there have been many developments in treatment, but there’s currently no cure. Below, we’ve gathered 10 of the most common COVID-19 myths you shouldn’t believe.
False: The COVID-19 vaccine isn’t safe because it was developed too quickly.
True: Due to the urgency of the pandemic, pharmaceutical companies put a considerable amount of time and focus on quickly developing COVID-19 vaccines. Without thorough COVID-19 studies to ensure effectiveness and safety, the vaccines wouldn’t be approved by FDA regulations for distribution.
False: You can contract COVID-19 from the vaccine.
True: There’s no live virus in any of the COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States, so there’s no chance of getting the disease as a result.
False: The COVID-19 vaccine causes infertility and/or stops pregnancies.
True: On social media, claims that antibodies made from the COVID-19 vaccines bind to proteins in the placenta and stop or prevent pregnancies. The research doesn’t support this idea, as there’s no scientific COVID-19 study or evidence that supports a link between COVID-19 and infertility.
False: You can cure COVID-19 with vitamin and mineral supplements.
True: Vitamins C and D, as well as the mineral zinc, are great for boosting your immune system and helping to protect you against viruses in general, especially if your natural diet is deficient in these supplements. However, if you have an active COVID-19 infection, there’s no evidence that they can cure or treat the disease effectively.
False: Warm water will rinse COVID-19 from my throat.
True: If you’re already infected with COVID-19, you might find warm water to be soothing to your throat. It can also ease the intensity of a cough, but drinking it is not a form of protection against Coronavirus. Washing your hands with warm water, however, can be an effective preventive measure.
False: The new strains of COVID-19 aren’t prevented by the vaccines.
True: Viruses certainly do change and mutate over time, and the new strains of COVID-19 do seem to spread more easily, but there’s no proof that the vaccines are ineffective against them. There’s also no evidence to suggest that they’re more deadly or make you sicker. Scientists are actively studying the recent mutations to determine a number of factors, including the vaccines’ effectiveness against the strains.
False: COVID-19 was made in a lab.
True: Scientists still aren’t entirely sure how COVID-19 originated. That said, their research into other Coronavirus studies point to bats being a likely source. As the virus evolved, it may have become able to infect humans.
False: You can’t get COVID-19 more than once.
True: In the COVID-19 aftermath, once you’ve recovered, many people believe they’re immune going forward. Scientists say that, unfortunately, it is possible that you can contract the virus more than once. They’re still studying the specifics, including the likelihood of getting infected a second time, how long the antibodies stay in your system, and who may be at a higher risk of a second infection. That’s one of the reasons doctors recommend you wear a mask in public, avoid large group gatherings and wash your hands frequently, even if you’ve already had COVID-19.
False: If you have allergies, you shouldn’t get a COVID-19 vaccine.
True: Those with a food, animal or pollen allergy aren’t at risk of having an adverse reaction to the vaccine. It’s true that some individuals have experienced a serious allergic reaction – but those cases are extremely rare. To be safe, be sure to study the vaccine prior to receiving it, and double check that you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients.
False: You’re not infected with COVID-19 if you receive a negative test.
True: A negative test only indicates that you likely didn’t have the virus at the time your sample was collected. You can still contract the disease and test positive, and research shows that some people have even received a false negative result.
Whether you receive a COVID-19 test, or you’re already vaccinated, you should continue to stay safe and be proactive about preventive measures. A great way to do so is by making sure that you understand the myths and truths about Coronavirus. Together, we can slow the spread and help keep our loved ones and communities safe.