By: Sarah Amaladoss
In today’s digital era, social media and subjective news is prevalent and
misinformation is at an all time high. Whilst it may seem like no big deal, the
effects of misinformation can be detrimental, especially during a pandemic.
Under the influences of the politicization, conspiracies, and hysteria
surrounding Covid-19, we are being deprived of the critical information that
the world’s population so desperately needs. During this health crisis
especially, we must learn to discern falsified information from proven
knowledge. In an attempt to promote verified facts, we’ve gathered a list of
common questions regarding COVID-19 and are evaluating their veracity.
Belief: I don’t need to be worried about COVID-19 because only old
people contract it.
Fact or Fiction: Fiction
Anyone, regardless of their age, is susceptible to the new coronavirus. Though
all age groups are at risk of contracting COVID-19, the elderly face a
heightened risk of developing a severe case of COVID-19, due to physiological
changes associated with aging, such as a weakened immune system and
respiratory issues. Data provided by New York City Health shows that out of
the data recorded, 26.36% of the deaths were patients 64 and under. Whilst the
amount of deaths for people aged 0-44 only accounted for 3.96% of the data, it
still does not entirely exclude those in that age range. It is vital that we take
steps such as social distancing and wearing a mask to protect the most
vulnerable members of our community.
Belief: Being infected with the coronavirus is no big deal because
the doctor can simply prescribe me antibiotics.
Fact or Fiction: Fiction
As COVID-19 is a virus, it cannot be treated with antibiotics. Currently there is
no cure or vaccine for COVID-19, so treatment for mild cases usually consists
of self-care such as proper nutrition and taking medication that can ease and
treat discomfort as a result of symptoms such as nausea, coughing and fever.
For more severe cases, hospitalization may be required if the patient has
trouble breathing or other medical issues develop. In this case, the doctor may
be able to prescribe antibiotics for the infection as it is bacterial. Even though
milder cases of Covid-19 can be generally treated with less invasive
treatments, it is still important to remain vigilant and not become complacent
during a time like this. Mild cases can quickly develop into severe ones, so it is
extremely crucial to monitor symptoms and stay on top of your health.
Belief: Masks are not necessary when exercising.
Fact or Fiction: Fact
The World Health Organization recommends that people should NOT wear
masks when exercising as they can compromise your ability to breathe
comfortably which may already be impaired as a result of the exercise. The
excess sweat produced when wearing a mask whilst exercising can also cause
the mask to dampen which can strain your breathing. In turn, this promotes
the growth of microorganisms and can result in an environment where COVID-
19 can thrive. When exercising, it is still important to adhere to social
distancing rules (maintain physical distance of at least 1m from others) even
though masks are not recommended.
Belief: Most people recover from COVID-19.
Fact or Fiction: Fact
As the majority of COVID-19 cases are mild, most people are able to recover.
The recovery period is determined by the severity of your case, your body’s
immune response along with many other factors such as access to healthcare
and medication. If you are young, healthy, and have a good immune system,
then you are likely to recover faster than someone who is older, with
compromised health and a weaker immune system. Even though you may be
healthy, others may not be as fortunate, so it is up to us to do what we can to
limit the spread of the virus to vulnerable members of the community. As
COVID cases continue to increase globally, there is no room for acting
irresponsibly and endangering others in a crucial time in which all members of
society need to be playing their part.
Belief: Wearing a mask causes oxygen deprivation.
Fact or Fiction: Fiction
According to the World Health Organisation, (WHO) wearing a surgical mask
does not lead to oxygen deprivation and carbon dioxide intoxication. Though it
can be uncomfortable to wear a mask for extended periods of time, it is
important to remember that they are not damaging to your health, conversely,
they are in fact protecting you. With this in mind, it is important to follow the
WHO and your government's advice/recommendations on wearing masks.
When choosing a mask, the WHO recommends wearing a cloth mask rather
than surgical masks or N95 respirator as healthcare workers urgently need
them. When wearing a mask, you are not only protecting yourself but you are
also doing your part in protecting other members of your community. Our
survival and defeat of this global crisis is contingent on this cooperation and
discipline.
We hope that these Fact vs Fiction questions helped clarify your questions
and concerns regarding COVID-19. In an effort to inform others, it is pivotal
that we disseminate correct information like this when it is so necessary
considering the COVID-19 outbreak.
Sources:
https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/who-delivers-advice-and-support-for-
older-people-during-
covid19#:~:text=The%20COVID%2D19%20pandemic,potential%20underlying%20health%2
0conditions.
https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/imm/covid-19-daily-data-summary-deaths-
05132020-1.pdf
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-
alert/what-you-need-to-know-about-coronavirus-covid-
19#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20treatment%20for,most%20of%20the%20symptoms.
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-
answers-hub/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses#:~:text=treatment
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-
busters