Mythbusting: COVID-19 Facts vs. Fiction

With new information on COVID-19 flooding our social media feeds every day, it can be hard to separate the facts from fiction. However, is important to get educated with the truth so you can best protect yourself and your family during this time.

Read through this list of COVID-19 myths. It will help fact-check any information you read moving forward.

Fiction: COVID-19 only infects older people and younger people are safe.

Fact: Anyone of any age can be infected by COVID-19. Older individuals and people with preexisting medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and asthma seem to be more at risk for complications. However, healthy individuals, including the younger population, can still become severely ill.

It is critical that everyone practices social distancing right now to protect their health as well as the health of those around them.

Fiction: Warmer weather and heat kill COVID-19.

Fact: It is possible to catch COVID-19 no matter how hot or sunny it is outside. Countries with warmer climates have confirmed cases of COVID-19 despite high temperatures and sunshine. Additionally, the heat from hand dryers will not kill COVID-19. Hot baths will not either.

Fiction: Holding your breath for longer than 10 seconds means you’re not sick.

Fact: The best way to confirm you’re not sick is through testing and monitoring any symptoms that developed. Breathing exercises are not an accurate way to determine if you’re sick with COVID-19.

Fiction: Consuming alcohol protects you from COVID-19.

Fact: Alcohol consumption does not kill COVID-19 or prevent you from catching the virus. In fact, consuming alcohol frequently or excessively can increase your risk of other health problems. It can also weaken your immune system.

Fiction: Mosquitos can spread COVID-19.

Fact: Currently, there is no evidence suggesting that COVID-19 is passed through mosquitos. COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that mainly spreads through droplets expelled during a cough or sneeze.

Fiction: UV lamps and light kill COVID-19.

Fact: UV lamps and light are not recommended for sterilizing hands or other parts of your skin from COVID-19. In fact, radiation from UV light can irritate your skin and even damage it. Practicing proper handwashing is the best way you can kill germs on your hands.

Fiction: Spraying alcohol or chlorine on your body will kill the virus.

Fact: Alcohol, chlorine and other chemicals will not kill a virus that has already entered your body. These substances can harm your clothes and areas on your body, like your eyes and mouth. Bleach can disinfect contaminated surfaces in your house when used appropriately.

Fiction: Rinsing your nasal passages with saline prevents infection.

Fact: Saline rinsing does not provide people with protection against COVID-19. While this method sometimes helps in recovery from the common cold, nose rinsing with saline hasn’t proved effective in preventing respiratory infections.

Fiction: Flu and pneumonia vaccines prevent COVID-19.

Fact: The vaccines that prevent flu, pneumonia and other illnesses will not effectively prevent COVID-19. COVID-19 is a new and different infection that will require its own vaccine.

Stay updated on what Mercy Health is doing related to COVID-19.

Call our 24/7 COVID-19 Hotline at 888-700-9011 for questions and guidance.