[Coronavirus] Fact Versus Fiction

By Jack Taylor Posted March 18, 2020

Dear Turapür Today Reader,

Every day, the news on coronavirus changes – and every day, more and more people try to chime in with what they think is the best, most effective way to keep yourself safe.

It’s well-meant, of course, but with so many opinions floating around… so many conflicting studies and speculative reports… how on earth are we supposed to know what’s TRUE?!

Well, friend, I hope you’ll pass this article along to your friends and family…

Because I’m back with three of the most common coronavirus misconceptions – and today, we’re sorting FACT from FICTION!

Here’s what you need to know.

Misconception #1: COVID-19 is just like the flu.

Yes, the novel coronavirus does have a few flu-like symptoms – including achiness, cough, wheezing, and fever – and both illnesses can lead to similar complications (pneumonia), but according to several reputable sources, COVID-19 is more dangerous than any seasonal bug.

In fact, it’s not only more contagious than flu, but its mortality rate is also higher… meaning that it kills a higher percentage of the folks who get it…

And on top of that, the coronavirus has a longer incubation period. In other words, the time between being exposed to the virus and developing symptoms is longer… meaning that people who seem perfectly healthy could unknowingly CARRY and SPREAD the virus to others before they even realize they were exposed!

Flu symptoms typically appear in less than five days… but for this coronavirus, they may not appear for up to TWO WEEKS.

That’s why so many government outlets and health institutions are promoting two-week self-quarantines for folks who may have been exposed. That way, if symptoms do appear, the infected person has been isolated from spreading illness to others.

Misconception #2: You’ll get sick if you go outside.

This one’s tricky.

While it’s scary to see so many large-scale events and businesses close due to COVID-19, it’s important to realize that these measures are largely preventative: The more people share a confined space (and travel between confined spaces), the easier it is for the virus to spread.

It’s just a safety precaution – so I don’t want you to think that you’re guaranteed to get sick if you leave your home.

That said, going out to high-traffic, low-hygiene facilities like movie theaters, restaurants, and gyms IS NOT a good idea.

No matter how pristine some of these places appear, there’s no telling who used a plate before you, how well it was cleaned, or whose germs are all over the treadmill.

So, stay home as much as possible.

If you absolutely MUST venture out, carry high-quality hand-sanitizer with you at all times and wash your hands (warm water with soap for at least 20 seconds) at EVERY opportunity. DO NOT touch your face with unwashed hands.

Misconception #3: You should immediately stockpile supplies.

As more and more public events have been canceled, schools have closed, and celebrities have tested positive, people have started to worry about long-term quarantines and a shortage of essential food and toiletries.

And yes, you should buy a few extra non-perishables and toiletries if you’re able – but don’t bother with most face masks, heavy-duty cleaners, or medical supplies. In many cases, this can BLOCK medical professionals’ from being able to get the supplies they need to treat suffering patients.

Plus, face masks are more effective at stopping a sick person from infecting others – NOT preventing the wearer from getting sick.

If you’re able, consider sharing any surplus canned goods and supplies with neighbors who can’t afford it or weren’t able to beat the crowds. 

Do you have feedback you want to share? Drop me a line: feedback@turapur.com.

Regards,

Jack Taylor
Department of Research, Turapür Products