Yes, the viral health scare is now a pandemic, and the light at the end of the tunnel still seems nowhere in sight. It’s been a while since the world has seen a pandemic of this magnitude.
As fear keeps mounting, we’re immersed in lots of information, from updates and useful tips to cautionary guides and warnings by not just governments and healthcare organizations but also by news outlets and social media sites. Of course, technology and the internet have played a critical role in this process. But they have also created room for misinformation, rumors, and downright lies. This has led to undue fear, confusion, and misguided behaviors that could potentially aggravate the impact of the fast-spreading health crisis.
So, dispelling myths and rumors is essential to help ease the tension and ensure more effective action. In this article, we’ll address some of the common topics surrounding COVID-19 to help bring more clarity.
Coronavirus or COVID-19?
First of all, let’s look at what we’ve been calling this global health crisis. Coronavirus is a large family of viruses that’s much more common than you may expect. It includes the common flu as well as more severe ones like the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) that created global havoc in 2003. So, calling the current pandemic ‘the coronavirus’ is almost like referring to China as Asia.
The correct term is COVID-19, which is a new strain of coronavirus. You can visit the World Health Organization (WHO) website to get more information.
A deadly virus?
Needless to say, the increasing pandemic death toll has caused panic and alarm across the world. Let’s take a look at some statistics to get a better grasp of its impact.
According to studies, 80% of confirmed COVID-19 patients have shown mild symptoms, while 15% have severe symptoms. So far, less than 5% has been recognized as critical. Earlier in March, the WHO officials estimated the mortality rate as 3.4%. This could, of course, potentially rise if countries don’t take sufficient steps to get the pandemic under control. But as per WHO, SARS had a mortality rate of 15% while for MERS, it was around 34.4%.
Similar to most other viral infections, mortality rates are highest among those with a weaker immune system, like the elderly and patients with pre-existing health issues.
But what about the frightening scale and speed at which COVID-19 has been spreading? According to experts, the number of infections for any epidemic would often show a sudden spike at the onset. Then it typically slows down as countries recover at the end of what scientists call the epidemic curve. Here’s what this curve looked like during the yellow fever epidemic in 2016. You can already see a similar pattern with COVID-19 in China.
Of course, whether this pattern holds up or commences again might depend on how we adopt safety measures and the resources available for governments to combat COVID-19.
The role of face masks
Face masks have become an essential wearable with the spread of the pandemic. But it’s important to understand their exact role and how they can best support you to stay safe.
Face masks can prevent droplets and nanoparticles from entering the body through the nose and mouth. But their efficacy will depend on the type of mask you use. Moreover, if you don’t use them correctly, they can increase the chances of getting infected. The truth is, many people are still unaware of the essential guidelines on face mask etiquette and safe use. For instance, the mask you select should properly fit your face and cover the nose, mouth, and chin. Disposable surgical masks need a change every few hours. And you should always wash your hands before putting them on and avoid touching them thereafter to prevent contamination.
It’s also important to note that face masks alone will not keep you safe from the pandemic. In fact, some experts consider washing your hands even more effective to prevent infection. So, it’s critical to adopt all other safety guidelines issued by health care practitioners.
Hoarding face masks will not help either. In fact, it could make matters worse in the long run. A sudden shortage in supplies due to panic buying could make them unavailable for some, especially those with less spending power and frontline workers like healthcare professionals. And this could exacerbate the spread of COVID-19, helping it to last longer.
Likelihood of food shortages
Fears of food shortages that erupted with the pandemic led many people to stockpile essentials in a mass frenzy. So, it’s important to understand the impact of this health crisis on our supply chains.
A food shortage could only occur if there is some form of disruption to supply. For instance, if a large community of farmers is hit by the virus, it could disrupt production. Or if factories and supply chains experience a shortage of staff, then distribution could get disrupted. If vendors start hoarding critical items due to virus fears or to drive up prices, then an artificial shortage could also occur. But this is where governments would typically step in.
They’ll work closely with the essential goods supply chains to anticipate disruptions and take effective measures to mitigate any impact. You can already see governments in action across the world. Interventions to regulate supply chains have so far included increasing production and banning essential goods exports so there’s sufficient supply for local consumption. Some are even taking action against vendors who stockpile or sell critical products at above-market prices.
A final thought
When there’s fear and panic hazing good judgment, it’s easier for rumors and myths to take center stage. So, it’s critical to verify facts before reacting or sharing them with those around you. Always rely on relevant authorities, such as the World Health Organization or the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to seek information. Each country will likely have its own official COVID-19 website, too, to prevent misinformation. These are excellent resources to access verified facts and data.
