Courtesy of Women’s Medical Center

There are a lot of questions around the COVID-19 virus, and a lot of misinformation is being spread. Here are some common myths about COVID-19 from Dr. Faheem Younus, the Chief of Infectious Diseases at the University of Maryland UCH.

Follow Dr. Younus on twitter for the most up-to-date information by clicking here.

If you have any questions or concerns, we suggest you call our office – (575) 762-8055

Myth: If you can hold your breath for ten seconds without discomfort, you don’t have COVID-19.
Wrong: Most young patients with Coronavirus will be able to hold their breath for much longer than 10 seconds. And many elderly without the virus won’t be able to do it.

Myth: Coronavirus lives in the throat. So drink lots of water so the virus is pushed into the stomach where the acid will kill it. 
Wrong: Virus may gain entry via throat but it penetrates into the host cells. You can’t wash it away. Excessive water will make you run to the toilet.

Myth: Hand sanitizers are better than soap and water.
Wrong: Soap and water actually kills and washes away the virus from skin (it can not penetrate our skin cells) plus it also cleans visible soiling of hands. Don’t worry if Purell was sold out at your supermarket.

Myth: Using the expensive antibacterial soap is better in preventing COVID-19 than regular soap.
Wrong: CoronaVIRUS is not a bacteria, remember? Donate extra money to the needy during this time of hardship. Use regular soap instead.

Myth: One of the best strategies to prevent COVID-19 is to clean every door knob in your home with disinfectants.
Wrong: Hand washing/maintaining 6 ft distance is best practice. Unless you’re caring for a COVID-19 patient at home, your home surfaces should not be a big risk.

Myth: Coronavirus is airborne. 
Wrong: It’s a droplet infection, requiring close contact. The (widely quoted) NEJM study only showed virus’ ability to survive for hours in a lab after aerosolization. Our air is CLEAN! Walk in a park! (But keep your distance from others and obey local rules on what areas are open) WHO also approves this position.

Myth: You can bring Coronavirus into your home via shoes. 
Wrong: Don’t get panicked by such hypotheticals. I’ve diagnosed/treated viruses for 20 years. Droplet infections don’t spread that way.

Myth: Home surfaces and money can transmit the virus. 
Wrong: Home surfaces rarely transmit infections. Many bacteria or even cocaine can be found on your currency bills. Disease transmission linked to money is rare, and no major disease outbreaks have started from our ATMs. Give your money away or disinfect it if you’re still not convinced.

Myth: COVID-19 can penetrate through skin. Wear gloves.
Wrong: The virus does not get transmitted through skin. Wearing gloves is a bad idea because virus may accumulate on the glove and if you touch your face it’s easily transmitted. Plus gloves can rip. Handwashing is best!

Myth: Coronavirus will go away in Summer months.
Wrong. Previous pandemics didn’t follow weather patterns plus as we enter summer, there will be winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Virus is global.

If you have any questions or concerns, we suggest you call our office
(575) 762-8055