Despite the growing numbers infected with the disease, there are lots of myths that have spread about Coronavirus Disease. Don’t let these myths interfere with your safety. Here are some common myths that we have about the pandemic:
- COVID-19 is just another type of flu
Flu is somehow a common seasonal disease with a vaccine. However, the flu and COVID-19 both cause respiratory illness but they are different. There is some similarity between COVID-19 and other sicknesses that are caused by a viral infection. The difference between COVID-19 and flu is that in the lower part of the airways, the coronavirus binds to its receptors.
- It only affects the old
Older people and those who are immunosuppressed are at greatest risk for complications of COVID-19. In fact of almost 2,500 people infected with coronavirus, there were 29% aged 30-44 years. Older people are most likely to get the infection because their immune system is not as strong and healthy as of the young ones.
- There’s nothing we can do until there’s a certain vaccine
Experts say that, realistically, an effective vaccine is about 12 to 18 months away. Once it is available, it will also take time to understand its effectiveness. Having a vaccine is something that we need to strive for. However, focusing on other medications that can potentially treat symptoms of the infection and medications that can calm the inflammatory reaction of the body to the infection is also important. It is very important to evaluate these treatments in ways that give us knowledge. In this COVID-19 outbreak, it’s important to have strategies. We can protect ourselves even when there’s no vaccine yet. Follow precautionary measures, proper hygiene, and social distancing protocols.
PROTECT YOURSELF
It’s important to listen to the recommendations given by experts such as practicing social distancing, frequently washing your hands, and avoiding touching your face. However, COVID-19 causes the most severe health issues when the body is not healthy and in a pro-inflammatory state. Taking care of your health is crucial. Take this time to start an exercise routine and a diet regimen. Get also adequate sleep and find ways to lessen your stress. If you have a chronic health condition, you need to work to manage it as much as possible. Whether you believe or not in a conspiracy theory about COVID-19, each day the certainty of treating COVID-19 patients shows that it causes chaos in peoples’ lives. There is something about these experiences especially those who work at the hospital worrying about gloves, masks, and testing equipment running out over the next days or a couple of weeks. Some people are not up to accepting the reality of the pandemic and making up myths to protect their views. One of the millions of challenges about this outbreak is to receive certain humble wisdom about our vulnerability and mortality in this world and about who we are. Also, our health is dependent on the health of our global neighbors on the planet.
