Pharmacy Students Busting Myths

Myth #1

MYTH #2

Myth #3

Myth: Natural materials like cotton and wool repel viruses and can be used in replacement for the N95 mask.

Truth: Jury is still out, but based on available data, thick cotton clothes have shown to block up to 60% of particles, thin cotton t-shirts up to 15%, and N95 respirators up to 95%.

Though there is limited data available on materials for homemade masks, the CDC recommends making one. When making your own mask, use cotton instead of wool. A study has shown that viruses may persist for shorter time periods on cotton in comparison to wool. Check out the following link from the @CDC to easily make a DIY face mask: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html. While homemade masks do not replace N95 respirators, it is still recommended to cover your face when outside.

Source: https://academic.oup.com/annweh/article/54/7/789/202744

Myth #4

Myth #5

Myth #6

Don’t the pneumonia shots we get protect us from getting COVID-19? NO!

Vaccines are designed to provide protection against specific strains of bacteria or viruses. While it is recommended by the CDC and ACIP to be up to date on all vaccinations you are indicated for, the currently available vaccinations for protection against respiratory illnesses do NOT protect against coronavirus. COVID-19 is such a new and unique pathogen that it requires its own vaccine, and researchers are currently working on one targeted for coronavirus.

Myth #7

Myth #8

Myth #9

Myth #10

Myth #11

Myth #12

Being able to successfully hold your breath for 10 seconds or more does not necessarily mean that you are COVID-19 free. Even though some patients develop severe symptoms such as pneumonia, many other COVID-19 positive patients are asymptomatic or only have minor symptoms. Additionally, symptoms take about 2-14 days to develop after introduction to the virus. The best way to confirm diagnosis is through a laboratory test, not a breathing exercise.

Myth #13

Myth #14

Myth #15

Increased alcohol consumption does not protect against COVID-19. Instead, alcohol decreases the immune system’s ability to fight off disease and increases the risk of future health problems. In fact, various studies have shown that too much alcohol has the potential to damage the immune cells within your lungs and lead to increased COVID-19 susceptibility.