Mythbusters: Coronavirus edition | 30 seconds of science

General Manager: Juan Contreras

Producer: Nicole Maxhimer

Author: Rachael Sullivan

Hey guys! Today I want to talk about the thing on everyone’s mind…Coronavirus. Since we have learned so much more about the virus since my episode in February, I wanted to share with you some myths about coronavirus and dispel those myths with facts.

The virus will “disappear” as the weather gets warmer.

Unfortunately, this is false. There is no evidence to suggest this is going to happen. In fact, there are two pieces of evidence to suggest this virus is not seasonal. First, the virus is spreading in places with a “summer” climate like Australia and Iran. The weather there has not slowed down the viral spread, therefore it won’t slow it in the United States. Second, a researcher at Tulane University exposed the virus to hot and humid temperatures for 16 hours and found that it lived longer than other microbes he was studying like influenza and SARS. While this would have to be repeated to be confirmed, this is another small piece of information that points to the disease likely not being seasonal.

Wearing a mask will prevent you from getting the virus.

Yes and no. Viruses are tiny particles that are only filtered out with an n95 respirator or PAPR. However, everyone wearing masks does help to limit the spread of the infection IN ADDITION to social distancing and proper hand hygiene. The reason for wearing these cloth masks help is they help contain respiratory droplets. As respiratory droplets are the way the virus spreads, wearing a mask to contain them helps to keep the virus from spreading.

Essentially if someone who was sick with COVID-19 sneezed right in front of you, even if you were wearing a mask there is still a chance you could get sick. In contrast, if the person that sneezed was wearing a mask and you were not; you would have less of a chance of getting sick. Essentially, wearing a cloth mask protects everyone around you from getting sick, so if everyone is wearing cloth masks, we are all protecting each other.

Watch the video "Doctor Explains What You Need to Know About Wearing Masks for COVID-19 | Cause + Control | WIRED"

If you take ibuprofen it will make your Coronavirus symptoms worse.

This is false. According to the WHO, who is monitoring this situation, “Based on currently available information, WHO does not recommend against the use of ibuprofen. We are consulting with physicians treating COVID-19 patients and are not aware of reports of any negative effects of ibuprofen, beyond the usual known side effects that limit its use in certain populations.” So, you don’t need to worry about taking Ibuprofen if you get sick with COVID.

So remember everyone, the best way to protect yourself and limit the spread of this disease is to stay home whenever possible, wear a face mask when leaving your home, stay 6 ft away from others, wash your hands, and stay home when you are sick. While you're practicing these precautions why not head on over to our youtube channel , give us a like on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and send us some love on Instagram. This has been Rachael Sullivan busting some coronavirus myths for you, and now you know. Remember to stay in, enjoy life, and stay curious!

Courtesy of:

Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2020). FDA advises patients on use of NSAIDs for COVID-19. Retrieved April 19, 2020, from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-advises-patients-use-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs-nsaids-covid-19
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, April 4). Cloth Face Coverings: Questions and Answers. Retrieved April 19, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html
Cohen, E. (2020, April 10). Prestigious scientific panel tells White House coronavirus won't go away with warmer weather. Retrieved April 19, 2020, from https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/08/health/coronavirus-stays-warmer-weather/index.html
Doctor Explains What You Need to Know About Wearing Masks for Covid-19 | Cause Control | Wired. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA9CC-OfBV8
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