Covid-19 Pandemic – The Latest Scientific Facts (& Myths)
June 24, 2020
Health experts are learning more about the Covid-19 virus every day – and that means they’re changing their guidance as they discover more about it. What was correct at the beginning of the pandemic may not be recommended now.
With most countries beginning to open up again, the pandemic is far from over. We’ll be living with it for a long time still.
it’s critical that you know the facts and stay safe.
Here’s the latest.
Is it Safe to Take a Taxi or Uber or Lyft?
Walking, cycling or taking your own car are always safer from a Covid-19 point of view. If you take a taxi or Uber, you should wear a mask, and ensure the driver does also. You can’t know how recently the car was sanitised, not if the driver has the virus. If you are at high risk (over 65, or with pre-existing conditions), you should probably avoid taxis or public transport.
Close the Lid!
It’s a good idea to close the lid before you flush the toilet. New research shows that the flush and “turbulence” in the bowl can propel droplets more than 3 feet. Those droplets can become aerosolized in the air and linger for a short period of time or land on other surfaces in the bathroom.
How to Shop Safely in a Covid-19 World
There is a very good summary of what to do to make your shopping as safe as possible here https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/essential-goods-services.html
What About Beaches and Swimming Pools?
They’re not totally safe, but it’s better to be outside than inside in a confined space. So, enjoy, but be sure to wash your hands often, or use hand sanitizer often, don’t touch your face, and maintain social distance.
Below, find out the myths that are circulating – and the facts.
Myth: Summer weather will kill off the virus. No, you can become infected at any time of the year..
Myth: You’re safe if you’ve already had COVID-19. You may not have immunity even if you’ve had the virus already. You still need to take the same precautions as everyone else.
Myth: Face masks are useless. Wear one in public! If you’re sick, you’ll lessen your chances of spreading disease. If you’re not, you’ll have some protection (NOT total) by wearing a mask correctly (covering nose and mouth).
Myth: Face masks will stop you contracting the virus. They will help to protect you, you are safer with a mask, but it won’t block 100%. You still need to keep washing your hands (often and thoroughly), keep social distance and don’t touch your face.
Myth: The virus is lab-made. This is a popular theory, but there is no evidence that the virus is the result of lab engineering.
Myth: Boxes, packages are spreading the virus. There is only a low risk of spread from products, grocery bags, deliveries or packaging – if they have been shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures
Myth: Ingesting bleach kills the virus. No. Simply NO. This was a dangerous Trumpism. You do NOT want to put bleach inside you. Ever.
Myth: Children cannot contract the virus. Although older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions appear to be at higher risk of becoming very sick from the virus, anyone, of any age, including children, can be infected. In fact, some children who had Covid-19 also had inflamed hearts, kidneys and more.
Myth: Our pets are spreading the virus. Your pet MAY carry the virus on its fur, but it’s very unlikely to spread to humans. Just practice normal hand hygiene – wash your hands before touching food or your face after petting your pets.
Myth: Ibuprofen can worsen symptoms. Ibuprofen (the name for over-the-counter pain meds like Advil) got a bad name, but now it’s deemed safe for treating coronavirus symptoms. Even so, it’s best to check with a medical professional before you take anything.
Myth: If you don’t have any symptoms, you’re coronavirus-free. Common symptoms include fever or chills, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Even if you are symptom-free, you may still be infected, and you may still spread the virus!
Myth: Drinking alcohol can protect you from the virus. Oh, I wish this were true! Sadly, it isn’t.
Myth: Thermal scanners can detect the virus. They detect fever, which is one symptom of Covid-19. You might have a fever for other reasons though.
Myth: Antibiotics prevent and kill the virus. Antibiotics work against bacteria, not viruses.
Myth: 5G networks spread the virus. Another conspiracy theory. Viruses can’t travel on radio waves or mobile networks.
Myth: If you can hold your breath for a prolonged period you are virus-free. You can’t confirm the coronavirus with a breathing test. The best way to check for the virus is to get tested through a medical lab.
Myth: Taking a hot bath can kill the virus. The virus is not sensitive to temperature.
Myth: Hand dryers can kill the virus. They don’t. However, there is hope that ultraviolet disinfecting technology may help.
Now you are up-to-date with all the latest knowledge on the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Warm regards,
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