There’s a lot of mixed information floating around, read here about facts regarding the virus and click on the results for more information!
True or False? Ordering or buying products shipped from China will make you sick.
FALSE – Researchers are studying the new coronavirus to learn more about how it infects people. As of this writing, scientists note that most viruses like this one do not stay alive for very long on surfaces, so it is not likely you would get COVID-19 from a package that was in transit for days or weeks. The illness is most likely transmitted by droplets from an infected person’s sneeze or cough, but more information is emerging daily.
True or False? A face mask will help protect you from getting the Coronavirus.
FALSE – Certain models of professional, tight-fitting respirators (such as the N95) can protect health care workers as they care for infected patients. For the general public without respiratory illness, wearing lightweight disposable surgical masks is not recommended. Because they don’t fit tightly, they may allow tiny infected droplets to get into the nose, mouth or eyes. Also, people with the virus on their hands who touch their face under a mask might become infected. People with a respiratory illness can wear these masks to lessen their chance of infecting others. Bear in mind that stocking up on masks makes fewer available for sick patients and health care workers who need them.
True or False? Everyone is at immediate severe risk of the virus.
FALSE – Older adults and people of any age with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, or heart disease, are at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
True or False? I can get the virus from walking through the airport.
FALSE – Transmission of COVID-19 happens when you are in close contact (within 6 feet for more than 10 minutes) with an infected person. The risk of this occurring in an airport or other open public places is very low.
True or False? Disinfecting sprays and wipes will kill COVID-19 because they say on the package that they will kill coronavirus.
FALSE – There are several versions of coronavirus, and it is not currently proven that these sprays and wipes would kill the novel coronavirus.
True or False? Eating garlic will help prevent COVID-19.
FALSE – Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from the new coronavirus.
True or False? Antibiotics are effective in treating Coronavirus.
FALSE – No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. The new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment. However, if you are hospitalized for the 2019-nCoV, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.
True or False? Using hand dryers and UV lamp will help sterilize your hands.
FALSE – No. Hand dryers are not effective in killing the 2019-nCoV. To protect yourself against the new coronavirus, you should frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Once your hands are cleaned, you should dry them thoroughly by using paper towels or a warm air dryer. As well as, UV lamps should not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.