We know that misinformation on the internet and the rapidly changing guidance from government agencies, the media, and medical professionals can lead to tons of confusion and stress. These facts are here to help calm your nerves and put COVID-19 into perspective.
Misconception: It’s extremely fatal Facts: In generally healthy people, the COVID-19 virus will present as symptoms very similar to the common cold or flu. While COVID-19 can be fatal for high-risk individuals, the vast majority of people who get sick will recover from COVID-19. Recovery time varies and for most people may be similar to that of a flu-like illness. People with mild symptoms may recover within a few days. Having said that, doing your part to prevent the spread is important to help decrease exposure for those who are most vulnerable. Misconception: Mortality rates for COVID-19 are going to increase as the virus spreads Facts: It is important to remember that the mortality rates you are seeing reported in the press may not be accurate, as most people with COVID-19 might have milder respiratory symptoms and have not been tested. Current data would imply that we will see the number of confirmed cases go up, but mortality rates drop. As testing becomes more available, we will see an increased number of COVID-19 positive people with mild to moderate symptoms make full recoveries, therefore, lowering the mortality rate among confirmed cases. In the last two weeks, for example, the U.S. death rate droppedfrom 5.9% to 1.7% amid an increase in testing. Misconception: COVID-19 only affects older people Facts: While older people and those who are immunocompromised are more likely to become critically ill from the virus, COVID-19 can affect anyone at any age. According to the CDC, nearly 38% of the first 500 hospitalized patients were notably younger, between the ages of 20 and 54. And in Los Angeles County, 80% of those who have tested positive are people aged 18-65, while 42% are in the 18-40 age group. And children appear to be some of the least at-risk individuals with only 1 reported COVID-19 death of a minor in the U.S. so far. Experts caution that even these mortality rates could be exaggerated, as many mild cases are likely going unreported. Misconception: Pets are also getting infected and spreading COVID-19 to humans Facts: There have been no reported cases of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States, and there is no evidence that companion animals can spread COVID-19. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. Misconception: You can contract COVID-19 from infected animal products Facts: Additionally, the CDC does not have any evidence to suggest that animals or animal products imported from China pose a risk for spreading COVID-19 in the United States. Misconception: Hand dryers can kill the virus. Facts: Hand dryers, spraying chlorine on yourself, and UV disinfection lamps on your skin are not effective ways to kill coronavirus. Further, chlorine, alcohol, and UV radiation can irritate your skin.To best protect yourself, wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If those aren’t available, try an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Misconception: The flu shot will protect me. Facts: COVID-19 is caused by a new, entirely different virus than the flu and thus requires a separate vaccine. While a vaccine is in development, known medications are ineffective in preventing or treating COVID-19. While it may not protect you from COVID-19, the flu vaccine still plays a vital role in protecting you and others from getting the flu. Misconception: Anti-malaria drugs, such as chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, have been proven to be effective against coronavirus Facts: No valid scientific studies have yet determined whether these drugs are effective or safe for use in COVID-19 patients. While these medications have been proven beneficial for rheumatological conditions like lupus, it’s important to note that these drugs can have dangerous side effects at the doses being tested for COVID-19. In fact, several fatalities have already been reported in people taking the drugs off-label. Purchasing chloroquine for COVID-19 concerns at this time is also leading to shortages for patients who depend on the drug for other conditions. Misconception: FDA-approved at-home COVID-19 testing is available Facts: The FDA has not yet authorized any at-home test kits for COVID-19. While several companies have begun marketing their own test kits, the federal agency has advised consumers to be wary of such products, as they could pose significant health and privacy risks. Additionally, as such kits rely on nose or throat swabs, they can be prone to inaccurate results. As companies move quickly to develop home testing kits, One Medical’s clinical leaders are assessing all options to find tests that would offer better ease of access, a high level of accuracy and a short turnaround time for test results.