As COVID-19 spreads worldwide, misinformation proliferates. Three public health epidemiologists from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis separate truth from common myths, drawing on real-world data and expertise.
Low case numbers in my region mean I don't need to worry. Incorrect. Limited testing means reported cases often reflect just a fraction of actual infections. Those carrying the virus can transmit it unknowingly, so everyone must follow social distancing guidelines.
Men face more serious COVID-19 complications than women. Data supports this: ratios of men-to-women deaths in six countries range from 1.1 to 1.9.
The virus will disappear in warmer weather. Unclear so far. Like other coronaviruses, COVID-19 may follow seasonal patterns with lower summer transmission.
Children are just carriers of COVID-19 and don't get sick. While adults face higher risks, children—including infants—can develop illness. Symptoms are usually mild, but those with underlying conditions may face severe cases. Importantly, infected kids can spread it to others, even asymptomatically.
I'm young and healthy, so COVID-19 isn't a concern for me. Younger people generally experience milder symptoms and lower mortality than older adults, but they are not immune to serious illness or death.
Coronavirus is 'just the flu'. While symptoms overlap, COVID-19 spreads more readily, causes graver illness, and proves deadlier than seasonal or swine flu. Flu cases may outnumber COVID-19 now, but its exponential rise will likely surpass them without containment.
A few weeks of social distancing will stop the spread. These measures slow transmission and ease healthcare burdens but must continue strategically. Ending them prematurely risks resurgent outbreaks as normal activities resume.
Public health can defeat the coronavirus. Yes—we can curb transmission and save lives with swift action. Expanded testing tracks the virus, ramped-up PPE protects frontline workers, and proven prevention like hygiene and distancing works for all ages.
