COVID-19

MYTHS AND FACTS

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus which has quickly spread around the world. While initially mainly affecting Asia, Europe and North America, more people are now testing positive in Southern Africa. This is also where the largest number of people are affected by HIV.

Misinformation and myths have been spreading fast, so we asked community health workers from across Southern Africa to share the most common COVID-19 myths and misinformation they have heard. Here we put the record straight:

Will most people who get COVID-19 get very sick or die?

FACT: Most people who get COVID­-19 will have a mild form of the illness and recover without needing professional medical care. Around eight out of every 10 people with COVID­-19 will have mild symptoms. Around one in six people will become severely ill and need hospital care. Scientific modelling suggests that around 1 in 100 people who get 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 get symptoms, and some people will have such a mild case of COVID-19 that they might not notice that anything is wrong. That’s why it’s important that everyone follows government advice – including hand washing, using tissues to catch coughs and sneezes, and avoiding crowds – to stop the spread of the virus, even if they feel healthy.

Can Black and African people get COVID-19?

FACT: Anyone can get COVID-19, regardless of race or skin colour. Older people and people with other health conditions, such as asthma, heart diseases and diabetes, are more at risk of getting seriously ill. 

Does COVID-19 only affect old people, meaning young people don’t have to worry?

FACT: While COVID-19 can be more dangerous in older people, anyone can get it including young people, some of whom become seriously ill. While we don’t yet fully understand why some people get more serious symptoms, we do know that young people are more likely to develop serious symptoms if they have certain underlying health conditions, for example asthma, heart conditions or untreated HIV. 

Can COVID-19 spread in warm sunny weather?

FACT: COVID-19 can survive temperatures higher than 25C. You can catch it no matter how sunny and warm it is. So, whatever the weather you should follow the official advice to protect yourself from the virus. 

Getting out into the sunshine, if you can, is still a good idea as this helps your body produce vitamin D which is important for your immune system. 

Will drinking lots of hot drinks stop COVID-19?

FACT: There is no drink hot or cold that will protect you from COVID-19 or cure the illness. So far, there’s no proven cure for COVID-19 but most people recover by themselves. Taking paracetamol, drinking lots of liquids, and getting enough rest can help you manage your symptoms. 

Can Chloroquine cure COVID-19?

FACT: At the moment there is no proven cure for COVID-19, but most people will recover on their own without needing professional medical care. If you think you have COVID-19 and are having difficulty breathing, contact your local health facility as you will need professional medical care. 

As scientists and doctors continue their work to understand and treat COVID-19 our knowledge of, and ability to treat and prevent the virus will improve. For now, it’s important to follow official government advice and get information only from reliable sources like Avert.org, the World Health Organization (WHO) or your government’s health department. 

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Tips to manage COVID-19

  • Maintain at least a 1-metre distance between yourself and others to reduce your risk of infection when they cough, sneeze or speak.
  • Make wearing a mask a normal part of being around other people.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently especially those which are regularly touched, such as door handles, faucets and phone screens.