The COVID-19 pandemic at a time of rapid dissemination of information, not always from reliable sources, has brought with it a number of myths.
With this article, we aim to answer our customers’ most frequently asked questions and also to explain and put into context some of the claims that have been circulating about the disease.
A pregnant woman with COVID-19 must undergo a caesarean section.
Myth.
According to the WHO, being a carrier of the COVID-19 virus is not a reason for a pregnant woman to have a caesarean section.
COVID-19 only affects older people.
Myth.
COVID-19 can affect people of any age.
Elderly people do belong to a risk group, i.e. they may be prone to developing more serious complications, particularly respiratory complications, than younger age groups.
The flu vaccine also gives some immunity to COVID-19.
Myth.
The flu vaccine only protects the body from certain variants of the flu virus, the Influenza virus.
As such, it does not offer immunity to coronaviruses, particularly the one that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2).
After being infected with the new coronavirus, we become immune.
It is not known how long a possible state of immunity might last, but some cases of new infections caused by COVID-19 have been described.
The study carried out by the University of Oxford, on 12,080 volunteers who were tested regularly between April and November, reveals that people infected with the new coronavirus are less likely to be infected again during the following 6 months.
However, there are different studies with different conclusions about immunity.
A study carried out by Imperial College London and the Ipsos Mori institute showed that acquired immunity decreases “quite rapidly”, in a matter of months, especially when it comes to asymptomatic people.
A study led by the La Jolla Institute of Immunology shows that, eight months after infection, most people who have recovered still have enough antibodies to ward off the virus and prevent the disease.
In other words, continuing to monitor the results and evolution of these studies is the only way to get a more conclusive answer about the duration of immunity to Covid-19.
The new coronavirus spreads through the air.
Myth.
The virus is transmitted through droplets released from the nose or mouth.
Therefore, contagion can happen through close contact with infected people, surfaces and/or contaminated objects.
It is possible to have COVID-19 and not have any symptoms.
Yes, there are people infected with COVID-19 who don’t show any symptoms and remain asymptomatic.
This is one of the challenges posed by the virus, since even if you feel well you can be infected and therefore be an agent of contagion.
Antibiotics are effective in preventing and treating COVID-19.
Myth.
Antibiotics only work against bacteria, not viruses.
It is a virus that causes covid-19, so antibiotics are not the solution.
