COVID-19: Myths and facts
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus that has spread rapidly throughout the world. While initially primarily affecting Asia, Europe, and North America, more people are now testing positive in southern Africa. This is also where the greatest number of people are affected by HIV.
Misinformation and myths have spread rapidly, so we ask community health workers across southern Africa to share the most common COVID-19 myths and misinformation they have heard. Here we put everything in order:
Symptoms and severity.
Will most people who receive COVID-19 get sick or die?
FACT: Most people who receive COVID-19 will have a mild form of the disease and will recover without the need for professional medical care. About eight out of 10 people with COVID-19 will have mild symptoms. About one in six people will become seriously ill and will need hospital care. Scientific modeling suggests that about 1 in 100 people who receive COVID-19 will die.
Can you always tell if someone has COVID-19?
FACT: No The virus can be in someone's body for up to 14 days before they have symptoms, and some people will have a mild case of COVID-19 that they may not notice that something is wrong. That is why it is important for everyone to follow government advice, including washing hands, using disposable tissues to cough and sneeze and avoid crowds, to stop the spread of the virus, even if they feel healthy.
Who is at risk?
Can blacks and Africans receive COVID-19?
FACT: Anyone can get COVID-19, regardless of race or skin color. Older people and people with other health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, and diabetes, are more at risk of becoming seriously ill.
Does COVID-19 only affect older people, which means young people don't have to worry?
FACT: While COVID-19 can be more dangerous in older people, anyone can get it, even young people, some of whom become seriously ill. While we still don't fully understand why some people have more severe symptoms, we do know that young people are more likely to develop serious symptoms if they have certain underlying health conditions, such as asthma, heart conditions, or untreated HIV.
Are people living with HIV more likely to become seriously ill?
FACT: If you are living with HIV and are on effective treatment, there is no evidence that you are at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms. This is because your treatment will keep your immune system strong and your body capable of dealing with infections. If you are concerned that you may have HIV, now is a good time to get tested so that you can start treatment if you need to.
Prevention, treatment and cure.
Will HIV antiretroviral treatment (ART) stop me from receiving COVID-19?
FACT: There is no evidence that taking HIV medications prevents you from receiving COVID-19. Although some ART medications are being tested for use to treat COVID-19, there is still no evidence that they are effective for this purpose.
If you are living with HIV and are on treatment, it is important that you follow general advice to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Keep taking your treatment to make sure your immune system stays strong. You should not share your HIV medications with anyone else who has or is concerned about getting COVID-19. These should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor.
Can COVID-19 spread in warm, sunny weather?
FACT: COVID-19 can survive temperatures above 25C. You can catch it no matter how sunny and warm it is. So whatever the weather, you should follow official advice to protect yourself from the virus.
Going out in the sunlight, if you can, is still a good idea, as this helps your body make vitamin D, which is important to your immune system.
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