Welcome back you guys! This week we spoke about all the misinformation that is going around with respect to COVID-19. This is leading to a lot of unnecessary confusion as well as, anxiety. On the podcast we also talk a little bit more about the severity of the illness in certain geographic locations and asymptomatic carriers. It's really important to protect yourself and those around you so we will continue to ask you to please STAY HOME. But for the show notes let us summarize some of the myths we've seen so that we can clear things up for you as best as we can. Here goes:
Myth 1: Coronavirus only affects older people because of their weakened immune system
Anyone, any age with any medical pre-existing condition is at risk!
Elderly (those older than 65) and any age individuals with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung disease or if you are immunosuppressed) are more vulnerable to being severely affected
Myth 2: You can’t get coronavirus if you are in a hot and humid climate
From the evidence we have gathered thus far, coronavirus can be transmitted in all areas including hot, humid or cold environments.
Myth 3: Hold your breath for more than 10 seconds. If you complete it successfully without discomfort, stiffness or tightness it proves there is no fibrosis in the lungs, basically indicating no infection.
This was a facebook post circulating around from Stanford Hospital but it was a false source
The best way to confirm if you have the virus is with a laboratory test
You cannot confirm it with breath exercises, enough said.
Myth 4: COVID-19 is airborne
The virus is transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets are too heavy to stay in the air and so they quickly fall on the floor and other surfaces.
The way you can get infected is if you are in close contact with a person who is infected (within approximately 6 feet)
No evidence to date regarding this being an airborne disease (please note this may or may not change).
See the WHO myth thread for more on all of these amazing myths (we're laughing because we can't believe people listen to this and continue to spread the wrong information!)
1. Keep following good hand hygiene and hygiene in general (DUH.)
Wash your hands for 20 seconds, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer of at least 60%
2. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose
If what you read makes you sad, anxious, scared. Your next step should be to check with CDC, WHO or NIH as these are reliable sources. You can also check with your healthcare provider. They also offer some awesome mental health resources on their as well!
If you are not sure if something you read is true, DON’T SHARE IT! You don’t know who will read that post, re-share it and cause a further continuation of spreading false info.
That's all for this week, don't forget to leave us feedback, rate, review, subscribe and send in your questions so we can continue to improve as well as, provide you high quality content.
Disclaimer: The Content on our podcast/website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.