Common COVID-19 myths fact-checked

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, there have been many claims about the virus. We've fact-checked some of the claims out there for your peace of mind.
 

Claim: COVID-19 is transmitted more easily in hot and humid climates

From the evidence gathered so far, COVID-19 can be transmitted in ALL areas, including places that are cold and areas that have hot and humid weather. Regardless of climate, adopt protective measures if you live in or travel to an area with COVID-19.
 

Claim: There is one strain of COVID-19 that is more dangerous

Over time, viruses accumulate different mutations; COVID-19 isn't exempt from this. How widespread strains of viruses become depends on natural selection, some viruses spread quicker and replicate faster in the body more than others. However, they may not be more dangerous for people, as other factors would need to be considered. Viruses that make people sick so that they're incapacitated or viruses that kill people rapidly may be less likely to be transmitted.
 

By analysing the viral DNA from 103 people infected with the virus, Chinese scientists found the germ which causes COVID-19 seems to have evolved into two major types, "L" and "S." They found that the majority of them had type L. The team behind this research have suggested that this may indicate the L strain is more "aggressive", by either transmitting more easily or replicating faster inside the body.
 

However, at this point, this theory is speculative, there haven't yet been direct comparisons to see whether one version of the virus is more likely to pass on or if one type causes more severe symptoms.
 

Claim: A hand dryer can kill coronavirus

Hand dryers do not kill COVID-19. To protect yourself, you should frequently wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. Once your hands are cleaned, you should dry them with a paper towel or use a warm air dryer.
 

Claim: It's just like seasonal flu, COVID-19 is not that dangerous

Many individuals who get coronavirus won't experience severe symptoms, and it'll feel like nothing worse than seasonal flu. However, overall the mortality rate appears to be more serious. If the estimated 1% fatality rate is accurate, this would mean COVID-19 is about ten times more deadly than seasonal flu. It is estimated to kill between 290,000 and 650,000 people a year globally.
 

Claim: Coronavirus only kills the elderly, young people don't need to worry

The vast majority of people who are not elderly and that do not have any underlying health conditions, will not become critically ill from COVID-19. However, the illness has a higher chance of leading to severe respiratory symptoms than seasonal flu.
 

The actions young, healthy people take, including reporting symptoms, social distancing and following lockdown instructions, will have an important role in protecting the most vulnerable people in society.
 

Do you know what the symptoms of coronavirus are? You can read more about the signs of the virus here.

The information provided in this article is relevant to the date of which it was published in March 2020. It is subject to change day-by-day.