MYTH
It’s referred to as Wuhan or Chinese Coronavirus because it happened there and it only affects those who live in that area or individuals who are Asian.
FACT
In the beginning, some people referred to Novel Coronavirus as Wuhan or Chinese Coronavirus. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially named the virus SARS-CoV2 causing the condition named COVID-19. Naming guidelines for new pathogens follow the rule of not naming them after people, places, ethnic groups, animals or foods because this can be offensive or create a stigma.
People of all ages and ethnicities, no matter where they live, can be infected with the coronavirus causing COVID-19. To protect yourself against the virus, follow good hand and respiratory hygiene (view tips on the CDC site).
MYTH
I should avoid coming in contact with those of Asian descent in case they have the virus.
FACT
Any individual, no matter their ethnicity, can be susceptible to COVID-19. You should not be fearful of coming in contact with or being in the vicinity of someone who is of Asian descent.
MYTH
I can get COVID-19 from walking through an airport.
FACT
Transmission of COVID-19 happens when you are in close contact (within 6 feet for more than 10 minutes) with an infected person. The risk of this occurring in an airport or other open public places is very low.
MYTH
My doctor can test me for COVID-19 if I am concerned about possibly having the virus.
FACT
At this time, it is recommended that doctors test for COVID-19 only if the individual has symptoms, have traveled to areas with widespread transmission or have had contact with a person known or suspected to have COVID-19.
MYTH
It’s not safe to eat Chinese food.
FACT
It is safe to eat Chinese food. This is not affected by COVID-19.
MYTH
Don't accept packages or letters from China.
FACT
It is safe to accept packages or letters from China. The new coronavirus does not survive long on objects.
MYTH
Wearing a mask will protect me from the virus.
FACT
Unless you have been told by your doctor that you should wear a mask because of a chronic medical condition, masks are not necessary. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that only people having symptoms such as coughing, sneezing or a runny nose should wear a mask. This will help effectively prevent the spread of COVID-19. Healthy people do not require a mask.
MYTH
If someone is wearing a mask out in public, they probably have COVID-19.
FACT
No, someone may be wearing a mask to prevent the spread of other respiratory viruses such as the seasonal flu.
MYTH
Spraying alcohol, chlorine or bleach all over your body will protect you from the virus.
FACT
No, spraying alcohol, chlorine or bleach all over your body will not kill any viruses that have already entered your body or protect you from those who could have the virus. These substances can be used to disinfect surfaces but are harmful when directly in contact with your skin, eyes or mouth.
MYTH
Some disinfecting sprays and wipes will kill COVID-19 because they say on the package that they will kill coronavirus.
FACT
There are several versions of coronavirus, and it is not currently proven that these sprays and wipes would kill the novel coronavirus.
MYTH
Using a saline rinse frequently for your nose will help prevent infection.
FACT
No, there’s no evidence that regularly using a saline rinse will prevent infection with COVID-19.
MYTH
Gargling with mouthwash daily will protect you from the virus.
FACT
No, there’s no evidence that regularly gargling with mouthwash will prevent infection with the virus.
MYTH
Eating garlic or sesame oil will stop me from getting the virus.
FACT
No. There’s no evidence that eating these foods will prevent infection with COVID-19.
MYTH
Pets can carry and spread COVID-19.
FACT
At present, there is no evidence that any animals, including domestic pets, can be infected by or spread the virus. However, according to the CDC, since animals can spread other diseases to people, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands after being around animals.
MYTH
COVID-19 only infects the old or the young.
FACT
People of all ages can be infected with COVID-19.
It appears that children may be less susceptible to being infected with COVID-19. Their exposure to a wide variety of different respiratory viruses circulating in daycare centers and schools may have a protective effect.
Older individuals and those with pre-existing medical conditions may be more vulnerable to this virus. To protect yourself and others against the virus, follow good hand and respiratory hygiene (view tips on the CDC site).
MYTH
There’s a vaccine or medicine that I can get to protect myself from the virus.
FACT
Scientists are currently working on developing a vaccine that is safe and effective, however there are no vaccines or medicines that can protect or cure COVID-19 at this time.
MYTH
Using hand dryers or ultraviolet disinfection lamps will kill the virus.
FACT
Hand dryers and ultraviolet disinfection lamps used directly on skin are not effective in killing COVID-19. To protect yourself against the virus, you should frequently wash your hands with soap and water.