Q: I've seen a lot of scary things on the internet about COVID-19. How do I know if they are myths or not?
A: Let's go through a few of the more popular myths.
* Myth: Mosquitoes/flies/ticks/5G cellphones can give you COVID-19.
Reality: There is no evidence that mosquitoes can give you COVID-19. Neither can houseflies or ticks. There is also no evidence that viruses travel on electromagnetic waves, so don't worry about your 5G phone. All of the available evidence is that COVID-19 is caused by a virus that is transmitted through respiratory droplets, which are produced when talking, coughing or sneezing. This is why it's important to wear a mask. There is also some concern about the fact that the virus can live on surfaces for up to a few days, which is why frequent handwashing and sanitizing of surfaces is so important.
* Myth: I've heard that masks cause a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide or low oxygen levels, so I shouldn't use them.
Reality: Masks do not cause you to build up carbon dioxide. The molecule passes easily through masks. Nor do masks cause low oxygen levels. However, there is clear evidence that the spread of COVID-19 is decreased in areas where both masks are worn and social distancing is practiced. Wearing a mask is a simple and safe thing to do, and there is evidence that it helps prevent the spread. Please wear one.
* Myth: I've heard that alcohol and garlic and hot spices prevent COVID-19.
Reality: The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory tract. There is no evidence that drinking alcohol or eating garlic or peppers or any other particular substance has any effect on the disease. There is also no evidence that home remedies can protect against COVID-19. This goes for vitamin C, essential oils, silver colloid, sesame oil, fish tank cleaner, burning sage and sipping water every 15 minutes. Although tests are underway, at present there are no FDA-approved medications to treat COVID-19.
* Myth: Disinfectants may be used to treat or prevent the virus in my body.
Reality: Never attempt to self-treat or prevent COVID-19 by rubbing or bathing with bleach, disinfectants or rubbing alcohol anywhere on your body. Effective hand sanitizers do have alcohol, but they are formulated to be safe for use on hands. These substances can be poisonous if ingested and cause irritation and damage to your skin and eyes. Bleach and disinfectant should be used carefully to disinfect surfaces only. Remember to keep bleach and other disinfectants out of reach of children. Methanol and bleach are poisons. Drinking them can lead to disability and death.
* Myth: The virus will go away now that summer is here.
Reality: While some viruses do fluctuate with the seasons, clearly you can catch COVID-19 no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. Countries with hot weather have reported cases of COVID-19. There is also no reason to believe that cold weather can kill the new coronavirus. The normal human body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the external temperature or weather. While strong UV light can be used to disinfect objects, the intensity necessary for this would be very dangerous for humans and could lead to skin cancers and other damage to your body.
Some of these myths are spread by people with good intentions and some are spread by people with ulterior motives such as trying to promote their own commercial products. As with all medical conditions, it is always best to seek information from your health-care provider or from reliable sources such as the CDC (CDC.gov) or your local or state health department. You can also call our hotline with any questions at 423-209-8383.
Dr. Paul M. Hendricks is health officer for the Hamilton County Health Department and a member of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society.