3 Coronavirus Misconceptions You Need to Stop Believing

By Dana Cruz Sep 29 2020, 06:20 AM EDT

Coronavirus misconceptions were not that common at the start of the pandemic. But as time went on, confusion led to people getting the wrong information.

Melatonin May Be Viable Option for Treating COVID-19, New Study Suggests — Photo by outsideclick from Pixabay

Before there was a rise in coronavirus misconceptions, people knew what the virus was, how it spread and how to avoid it. Knowledge on the virus evolved since then and various sources provided changing information and recommendations.

Here are three coronavirus misconceptions that you may have heard about and should stop believing:

'It's Just Like the Flu'

Even though COVID-19 and the flu have nearly the same symptoms, they aren't caused by the same virus.

It is true that they are both caused by respiratory virus and can cause fever, fatigue and cough. But there are big differences.

A key difference between COVID-19 and the flu is its effects on a person's sense of taste and smell.

Loss of smell, or anosmia, was found in 85 percent of mild and moderate COVID-19 patients in a European study. In addition to this, Chemical Senses said the condition is common in 34 to 95 percent of patients.

Another study from the National Library of Medicine also noted that half of the patients with severe COVID-19 cases develop shortness of breath.

While these two symptoms help distinguishing the difference between the two illnesses, they don't make a sure diagnosis. It is still important to seek immediate medical attention.

All of the symptoms for both the flu and COVID-19 can be seen on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

'You Can Only Catch it Using Close Contact'

CNN said in a report that there was early evidence of COVID-19 spreading not just through touch and respiratory droplets. It can also linger in the air for hours and travel at a much farther distance than six feet.

Some evidence showed it can travel 20 feet, and maybe more if it lingers in places with low air circulation.

Both the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) have not given direct acknowledgement of this case, but they are inching closer in that direction.

Recently, the CDC has gone back and forth in saying that COVID-19 is airborne in their preventive measures. Experts have repeatedly urged the agency to include guidance to address this concern.

CDC is not yet acknowledging this case, as per their latest update, but also said the latest confusion was an error in publishing a draft of the guidance.

'Only Older People are Affected by COVID-19'

While older people are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19, younger generations can still get infected by the virus. In fact, people of all ages can be impacted by the virus. Being younger does not give immunity.

CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report found that young adults aged 20 to 29 account for more than 20 percent of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. from June to August. It is the highest incidence rate of all age groups.

Meanwhile, teens are more likely to be infected by the virus compared to younger kids.

Even though younger generations are less likely to die from COVID-19 complications, they can still be carriers. The age group is likely to spread the disease to those who are vulnerable.