ACPS Nurses Bust COVID-19 Myths

False! People of all ages become ill with COVID-19, and that includes children. Both children and adults who have certain risk factors, including asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and those who are immunocompromised, are at greater risk of getting COVID-19 and becoming seriously ill from it. Children can contract the disease and, in general, may have milder symptoms, but they can pass it to others who might become severely ill.

False! It is a scary thought, but you can still have and spread coronavirus even if you don’t have symptoms. The #1 guideline is: No matter who or what you touch, if you wash your hands before you touch your face, you probably won’t catch it. The risk of catching coronavirus is lower for kids who are at their home and not exposed to other kids at school or daycare. It is good for families to practice habits like good hand hygiene and avoid kissing on the lips or sharing drinks.

False! The fact is, many people infected with COVID-19 will have minor or no symptoms at all and will easily be able to hold their breath for 10 seconds. The only way to know for sure if you have COVID-19 is to be tested.

False! At first, public health authorities thought that masks should only be worn by front-line workers such as health care workers. This guidance has changed as we have learned more about how the virus is transmitted. Masks can help us keep our respiratory droplets to ourselves so they are less likely to spread to others. The CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where social distancing may be hard to maintain.

False! Good hand hygiene is always beneficial and the most important way to prevent the spread of illness. If children can learn early, they can improve upon their hand hygiene skills. Most school-aged kids can learn it and develop good habits.

False! Disinfectants such as bleach, alcohol, Lysol, and other household cleaners should never be used in the human body. Do not consume, inhale, inject, or otherwise try to use any disinfectant to treat an infection. This can be extremely hazardous to your health.

False! Thermal temperature scanners can tell you if you have a fever, but people who are ill with COVID-19 may not develop a fever for as many as 2-10 days. You or your child may be infected with COVID-19 even if you have not yet developed a fever.

False! People all over the world have contracted COVID-19, regardless of the weather. Climate is not a factor in whether or not you or your child will become infected.

False! Large amounts of UV light can be used to sterilize things we might touch, like surfaces or equipment, but exposing the human body to large amounts of UV light can cause eye damage, irritation, skin damage, and even cancer.

False! Frequent or excessive alcohol consumption can actually weaken your immune system and increase your risk of health problems.