As cases of the coronavirus continue to spread rapidly across the United States, you may be wondering what you can do to help slow the spread and keep yourself healthy. Aside from washing your hands frequently, wearing a mask while in public, maintaining social distance and not touching your face, you may also have heard of several other COVID-19 cures or prevention strategies.
Here, we’ll take a look at what’s fact and what’s fiction when it comes to staying healthy in the face of coronavirus.
Coronavirus Fact v. Fiction: Lemon, turmeric or mango prevents COVID-19
Fiction: There is no scientific evidence showing that consuming mango, lemon or turmeric prevents coronavirus, says the World Health Organization (WHO). However, it’s always a good idea to consume a variety of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet.
Coronavirus Fact v. Fiction: COVID-19 was deliberately created and released by people
Fiction: No one created the new coronavirus, say experts at Johns Hopkins. A virus can change over time — like the flu, which has new strains yearly — which means a virus that previously only infected pigs or bats, for example, can now infect humans.
Stay up to date with these 8 coronavirus myths to know.
Coronavirus Fact v. Fiction: If I have a wet cough or runny nose, I don’t have COVID-19
Fiction: The main symptoms of coronavirus include dry cough, fever and shortness of breath, however, WHO notes, some patients with COVID-19 do have a runny nose and/or a wet cough.
Coronavirus Fact v. Fiction: I don’t need to have a fever to have COVID-19
Fact: Though fever is a common symptom of coronavirus, it is possible to have the virus without showing symptoms or having other symptoms without a fever.
Coronavirus Fact v. Fiction: Loss of taste or smell can occur with COVID-19
Fact: Sudden loss of taste or smell can be an early symptom of coronavirus for some. It’s important to note that symptoms of COVID-19 can vary from person to person and in intensity.
Coronavirus Fact v. Fiction: Sunlight kills coronavirus
Fiction: There is no evidence to suggest sunlight kills COVID-19.
Coronavirus Fact v. Fiction: Mail and pets can spread the coronavirus
Fiction: You may have heard stories of people leaving their mail on the porch for days or a dog testing positive for the virus, but the CDC and WHO note that it is very unlikely to catch the virus from a piece of mail that has been moved and exposed to various elements. The CDC notes that there is currently no evidence the virus can be spread from pets.
Coronavirus Fact v. Fiction: If I’m wearing a mask, I don’t need to follow social distancing
Fiction: It has now been advised that people wear face masks when going into public. You still need to maintain social distancing if you’re around others — even if you’re wearing a mask. The mask isn’t intended to protect you, says the CDC, but to protect others around you.
