Myths about COVID-19:
COVID-19 is just like the flu.
Myth: COVID-19 has a higher transmission rate and can cause more severe illness compared to
the flu.
You can only catch COVID-19 from someone showing symptoms.
Myth: People can spread the virus even if they don't show symptoms (asymptomatic) or before
symptoms appear.
Drinking hot liquids prevents COVID-19.
Myth: Drinking hot liquids does not kill the virus or prevent infection.
You can get COVID-19 from food.
Myth: There is no evidence to suggest that food can transmit COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccines alter your DNA.
Myth: The vaccines do not change or alter your DNA; they train your immune system to fight the
virus.
Only elderly people get severely ill from COVID-19.
Myth: While older adults are at higher risk, people of all ages can experience severe illness from
COVID-19.
If you have had COVID-19 before, you can't get it again.
Myth: It’s possible to get reinfected with COVID-19, though prior infection can offer some
protection.
Masks are useless in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Myth: Masks, especially N95 or surgical masks, help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by
blocking respiratory droplets.
COVID-19 is a hoax or conspiracy.
Myth: COVID-19 is a real disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as proven by scientific
research and data.
You don’t need to worry about COVID-19 if you are young and healthy.
Myth: Even healthy individuals can suffer severe illness, long-term complications (long COVID),
or spread the virus to others.
You can prevent COVID-19 by using bleach or disinfectants on your skin.
Myth: Using bleach or disinfectants on your body is dangerous and not effective in preventing
COVID-19.
The COVID-19 vaccine will give you the virus.
Myth: COVID-19 vaccines do not contain live virus and cannot give you the virus.
Only people with comorbidities die from COVID-19.
Myth: People without pre-existing health conditions can still die from COVID-19.
COVID-19 is only spread by large gatherings.
Myth: COVID-19 can spread through casual contact, including being in close proximity to an
infected person in indoor settings.
Taking antibiotics can treat or prevent COVID-19.
Myth: Antibiotics do not work against viral infections like COVID-19.
Truths about COVID-19:
COVID-19 is caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2.
Truth: COVID-19 is caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets.
Truth: The virus is transmitted through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs,
sneezes, or talks.
COVID-19 can be asymptomatic, meaning some people may carry the virus without showing
symptoms.
Truth: Many people can spread COVID-19 without realizing they are infected.
Social distancing helps reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Truth: Keeping a safe distance from others helps prevent transmission of the virus.
The COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness and death.
Truth: Vaccines significantly reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death due to
COVID-19.
The virus can spread through surfaces, but primarily it spreads through the air.
Truth: While surface transmission is possible, the majority of COVID-19 cases occur through
airborne transmission.
COVID-19 can lead to long-term symptoms known as "long COVID."
Truth: Some people experience persistent symptoms, such as fatigue and difficulty
concentrating, even after recovering from the virus.
COVID-19 testing is critical for identifying and isolating infected individuals.
Truth: Testing helps to detect cases early and prevent further spread.
COVID-19 can affect anyone, regardless of age or health.
Truth: While older adults and those with underlying health conditions are at greater risk, anyone
can contract and suffer from severe illness.
Wearing masks, especially in crowded or indoor settings, reduces the transmission of the virus.
Truth: Masks help reduce the spread of respiratory droplets that may carry the virus.
COVID-19 can be fatal, especially for people at higher risk.
Truth: The virus has caused millions of deaths worldwide, with increased risk for older adults
and those with chronic health conditions.
Handwashing and sanitizing are important in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Truth: Regular handwashing or using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol helps kill the virus
on your hands.
COVID-19 is monitored by health organizations and experts worldwide.
Truth: Global health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) track the virus and provide guidelines.
COVID-19 variants can emerge and may spread faster or evade immunity.
Truth: New variants of the virus may be more transmissible or resistant to immunity, which is
why monitoring and vaccines are crucial.
The COVID-19 pandemic can be controlled through a combination of vaccination, testing, and
public health measures.
Truth: Achieving herd immunity, controlling the virus spread, and reducing the burden on
healthcare systems rely on vaccination, testing, and safety protocols.
