As media coverage continues to surround the Coronavirus outbreak, there is a great deal of misinformation regarding the virus circulating around social media. Our infection control experts have comprised the below common myths along with their scientifically based, accurate answers from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO).
Q: Is it safe to receive a package from China?
A: Yes, it is. The virus does not survive for very long on objects.
Q: Can my pet at home spread the Coronavirus?
A: No, there is no evidence that pets can get the virus.
Q: Can I prevent myself from catching the virus by taking a hot bath?
A: No, taking a hot bath does not prevent getting the Coronavirus. Washing your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water, covering your cough and social distancing are your best defenses against the virus.
Q: Can regularly rinsing your nose with saline prevent infection with the Coronavirus?
A: No, it has no effect.
Q: Can gargling with bleach protect you from infection with the Coronavirus?
A: No, it does not work that way. It will however cause significant harm to you and is not advised under any circumstances.
Q: Can mosquitos transmit the Coronavirus?
A: No, they cannot.
Q: Can hand dryers kill Coronavirus?
A: No, they cannot.
Q: Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the virus?
A: No, but it can be highly harmful to you and is not advised under any circumstances.
Q: Do vaccines against pneumonia protect you against Coronavirus?
A: At this time, no vaccines prevent the virus.
Q: I heard that if you hold your breath for more than 10 seconds without coughing that I do not have the virus.
A: This is completely false and is an irresponsible post that is being spread around on social media.
Q: Did China steal the Coronavirus from Canada and weaponize it?
A: This is a completely false conspiracy theory.
Q: Can consuming poultry products spread the virus?
A: No, what you consume has no bearing or effect on the virus.
Q: Can your blood type determine whether you are more like to get Coronavirus?
A: This is absolutely false. The virus knows no boundaries based upon blood type, age, gender, etc.
Q: I saw on social media that the Coronavirus stays in your chest for a few days while it multiplies, and that if I drink lots of water, I can flush it into my stomach. Once it gets to my stomach the acids will kill it. Seems logical to me. Is it true?
A: This is not true. The virus is transmitted via droplets that can get into your nose and mouth. Once there, you inhale it into your lungs via your trachea. Once in the lungs, it multiplies and creates issues such as coughing (the body’s way of trying to get ride of anything foreign) and shortness of breath.
Q: Where can I get accurate information regarding the Coronavirus?
A: We recommend only getting your information regarding the virus from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO). They have mobilized teams of experts across the world to get as much accurate and scientifically based information as possible about Coronavirus. Sources such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other forms of social media are currently spreading a great deal of misinformation regarding the virus.
We will continue to post updates as they arise via social media and internal communications with our associates, residents and family members. If you have additional questions, you can contact us here.