Myths and Facts about Covid-19

Introduction

Covid-19 has wreaked havoc and created widespread panic in the minds and hearts of billions of people around the world. Amidst an unprecedented healthcare crisis of worldwide scale, myths and misconceptions are bound to be created and circulated amongst people, especially through social and digital media. 

In India, the second wave turned out to be lethal in its impact on the lives of countless people across the country. In a densely populated country like ours, there have been dozens of falsely stated beliefs that have turned into facts for many people. 

In this blog, we debunk some of the most popular myths that are being floated around and help you filter the facts about Covid-19 so you can equip yourself better with accurate, research-based information. 

7 popular myths about Coronavirus and the Covid-19 vaccine

#Myth 1: If I take the Covid-19 vaccine, I will get infected by the Coronavirus

Fact: Research based on millions of people around the globe has concluded that the Covid-19 vaccine is proven to be effective in reducing hospitalization and diminishing the mortality rate. According to studies, none of the vaccines transmit any live virus or infection into your body. 

Taking the first dose of vaccine will help you develop antibodies to fight against the virus, in case you get infected. Taking the second booster dose will help you further extend protection against Covid-19. 

#Myth 2: I can take my first vaccine dose right after testing positive for Covid-19

Fact: According to healthcare research, individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection should still be vaccinated. While one can develop antibodies after recovering from Covid-19, there’s a certain time period that one has to wait before getting vaccinated. 

Regardless if the infection was symptomatic or asymptomatic, typically, an infected person has to wait for 90 days after the date of testing positive to become eligible and medically fit for getting vaccinated. 

#Myth 3: Covid-19 vaccine will affect my fertility negatively

Fact: This is a myth because there is no evidence of male or female fertility problems emerging as a side-effect of the vaccines.  A vaccine simply teaches our cells to make the antibodies for fighting against the virus, and trigger an immune response. 

According to research, there has been no correlation found between taking the vaccine and fertility levels in men and women, and the vaccines are safe for people who want to conceive or are trying to become pregnant. 

#Myth 4: I can protect myself from getting infected by Covid-19 with disinfectants, sanitizers or rubbing alcohol

Fact: While sanitizers and disinfectants are effective hygiene methods against curbing the spread of the Covid-19 virus from common surfaces, they do not help in creating any form of immunity against the virus, should one get infected. 

Vaccination is a method for eliciting an immune response from the body by injecting inactivated viruses into the immune system, so the body can learn to create antibodies against the virus if and when it needs to.

#Myth 5: My natural immune system is well-equipped to protect me against Covid-19

Fact:  Numerous research have concluded that even healthy, physically fit individuals can get infected by Covid-19, if they come in contact with the virus. 

The vaccines are intended not only for people with medical conditions, but to safeguard everyone who is at the slightest risk of suffering from the disease. 

Even if you’re physically healthy and in a low-risk group, it is important to consider the vaccine as a form of prevention against the acute, life-threatening Covid-19 infection. 

#Myth 6: Taking the Covid-19 vaccine will alter my DNA

Fact: Numerous research studies have concluded that Covid-19 vaccines do not alter or modify the DNA state of an individual who has received their dosage. The vaccines simply teach the body’s immunity on how to fight and protect itself against the Coronavirus infection, if a person gets infected in the future. 

In both the mRNA and the viral vector vaccines, merely information is transferred to the cells, and it does not enter the nucleus of the cell, the part where the DNA is present. 

#Myth 7: I don’t need to wear a mask if I am vaccinated

While it’s true that vaccination improves your chances of safety against getting infected due to Covid-19, it is good advice to continue wearing a mask for  the protection and well-being of the community. 

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH),immunity developed against Covid-19 is short to mid-term, and the efficacy of the vaccine over a long-duration is yet to be ascertained by medical experts. 

Thus, until a community, society or country’s mass population achieves herd immunity, it is recommended to continue wearing masks, so as to completely eliminate the risk of contacting or transferring the infection from one person to another. 

In Conclusion

Hope you can now see the facts from the fiction! 

These popular myths related to Covid-19 not only pose a direct threat to the physical and mental well-being of people, but can also disrupt the cycle of preventive medicines and mass-vaccination drives, leading to crippled healthcare. 

So, make sure you trust verified, scientific-based information only and avoid the common myths that are being circulated. 

As a medical expert, I urge everyone to stay aware, stay informed and stay protected as it is the need of the hour. 

Please share this post among your circle to ensure everyone is aware and updated. 

Stay Healthy!