Just when you thought the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak couldn’t get any worse, things took a very serious turn. States across the country have closed restaurants, bars, schools, and other establishments. Gatherings of over 10 people have been banned, and major events like festivals, concerts, and conferences have been canceled. We’re adjusting to new normal which includes”social distancing“, limited direct contact with others including our friends and loved ones, and working from home for the foreseeable future.
TOP CORONAVIRUS MYTHS
With so much going on, it’s no surprise that there’s a lot of information circulating online. While most of it has been resourceful and insightful, other reports have been false and could be potentially harmful. We did some digging to discover the top coronavirus myths to set the record straight. Read below to find out what they are and learn the real truth behind these coronavirus lies.
CORONAVIRUS MYTH #1
HAND SANITIZER WILL KILL IT
This is one of the more major coronavirus myths that has been circulating wildly on social media. While hand sanitizer can be used to help protect you from the virus, it will not kill coronavirus on your hands. This is because hand sanitizer only removes SOME of the common germs that can dwell on our skin.
Also, sanitizers themselves do not kill pathogens the way disinfectants do. In fact, to prevent the spread of coronavirus by hand, and to lessen the chance of infection, handwashing is a more powerful defense. Wash your hands frequently each day with antibacterial soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
CORONAVIRUS MYTH #2
ONLY ALCOHOL AND BLEACH BASED DISINFECTANTS WILL KILL CORONAVIRUS
This is 100% false! Although cleaning and disinfectant products that contain bleach and alcohol are touted as being the only products that kill bacteria, it’s simply not true. Of all the coronavirus myths out there, this was one of the most misleading.
Any disinfectant product that has been tested and approved by the EPA to be effective against eradicating coronavirus will get the job done – regardless of the formula, chemicals, and ingredients. 2XL products, for example, are made of a QUAT-based formula that does not contain alcohol, bleach, phenols, ammonia or hydrogen peroxide.
Despite this, all 5 of our disinfectant products have demonstrated effectiveness against coronavirus. Products that do contain alcohol, bleach, ammonia, or phenols can actually do more harm than good. They are known to damage and destroy all kinds of surfaces in various facilities from gyms to dental offices.
CORONAVIRS MYTH #3
CORONAVIRUS IS JUST LIKE THE FLU
Health experts have deemed this claim false. To start, the incubation period for the flu is between 1 – 4 days. Therefore, if you’re infected with the flu virus but not experiencing any symptoms, you can potentially infect those around you for up to 4 days. However, with COVID-19, the incubation period lasts up to 14 days.
People infected with coronavirus can potentially infect others for up to 14 days before even realizing they have it. This is the main factor fueling these huge outbreaks. Another huge consideration is that there is no vaccination for COVID-19 at this time in comparison to the flu which has several vaccines to prevent infection.
And while in severe cases, both can cause life-threatening upper respiratory complications, the flu is much easier to treat and doesn’t require a patient to be quarantined like COVID-19.
CORONAVIRUS MYTH #4
WEARING FACE MASKS CAN PROTECT YOU FROM IT
This coronavirus myth is also majorly inaccurate. When the virus first emerged from Wuhan, China, we saw thousands of people wearing face masks with the hope of preventing the spread of the new mystery disease. However, face masks won’t protect you from contracting the virus.
Contaminated respiratory droplets can still travel into the mask through the sides, which aren’t completely sealed. To best protect yourself, practice proper and rigorous handwashing, social distancing, and avoid direct contact with others. Examples of direct contact include shaking hands, hugging, and kissing. Also, make it a habit to disinfect high touch surfaces often.
CORONAVIRUS MYTH #5
ONLY ELDERLY PEOPLE ARE AT RISK
While the disease has had a grave impact on senior citizens over the age of 65, most specifically those 80 years old and over, anyone is at risk for contracting it – especially people with chronic health conditions or compromised immune systems. Their bodies may not be strong enough to fight off the complications of COVID-19.
People of all ages, including young and healthy individuals, can contract coronavirus. People who have recently traveled to any of the epicenter locations like Italy, Wuhan China, and Europe are especially vulnerable.
STAY INFORMED
This coronavirus pandemic is serious. We’ve seen it affect the world around us and now we’re seeing it infiltrate and affect our world here in the United States. During these uncertain and scary times, it’s easy to be misled.
But it’s important to make sure we’re getting all of the facts straight so that we can make the best decisions possible. Keeping ourselves informed, up-to-date, and adhering to enforced protocols is our first line of defense.
Protect yourselves and others by implementing social distancing mandates and good hygiene with rigorous handwashing and consistent disinfecting. We don’t know how long this will last but it won’t be forever.
Until then, 2XL is here to help make this challenging time a little easier for you by providing helpful information and cleaning products that you can trust.
Want to read more about COVID-19? Read our other COVID-19 pieces as part of our series:
Simple Coronavirus Protection Tips
How Coronavirus Spreads
How To Kill Coronavirus on Porous and Non-Porous Surfaces in 5 Steps
What is Coronavirus?
How Long Can Coronavirus Live On Surfaces?
How To Promote Handwashing In Your Facility
Coronavirus Prevention Tips For Businesses