Among the main myths of the pandemic, experts reveal the “theories” that vaccines are ineffective, masks don’t work and children don’t catch covid-19
December 11th
2022
– 18:01
(updated 18:25)
Almost three years after the start of the covid-19 pandemic, different types of myths have survived and are still shared, especially on social media. Although numerous studies have demonstrated the importance of masks, for example, it is possible to observe people discrediting this simple and cheap way of containing transmissions of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which is again recommended in agglomeration cases.
In a recent article for the platform The conversationScientist duo Stephen Griffin, a virologist and professor at the University of Leeds, and Simon Nicholas, a public health specialist and professor at Swansea University, uncover some big myths about covid-19.
Myth 1: The virus causes only mild forms of covid-19
With the emergence of the Ômicron variant and its descendants, the impression is that the virus causes only mild cases of covid-19. However, this is not necessarily true, since it cannot be ignored that a large part of the world’s population is vaccinated with at least two doses: in Brazil the rate is 80.1%.
Adding in vaccines and cases of previous virus infection, most of the world has some protection against the coronavirus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 90% of the world’s population currently has some level of immunity to covid-19.
Against this backdrop, the pair of scientists reiterates that “disease outcomes critically depend on immunity,” even in the current pandemic. “SARS-CoV-2 is not inherently light or necessarily gets lighter,” they add. Even with this general level of protection, the virus can still pose a threat and supplemental doses of vaccines are needed.
Myth 2: The elderly and the immunosuppressed are the only ones at risk of COVID-19
Another myth is that only elderly or immunosuppressed people can develop severe forms of covid-19 now. Every organism is unique and it is not possible to predict how individuals will react to this disease. Also, for the younger ones, “even a mild infection can trigger long covid cases”, to warn. In the UK, the condition affects up to one in five adults aged 18-64.
Myth 3: Children are not affected by Covid-19
Children are still very vulnerable to covid-19, long-term covid and other complications, such as deaths. On the other hand, worldwide, immunization rates for this group are low. In Brazil, covid-19 vaccines are released only for children aged 6 months to 2 years with comorbidities and children older than 3 years (regardless of health factors).
However, from the beginning of the year until November, more than 477 deaths have been confirmed from covid-associated severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in infants and children up to 5 years in Brazil🇧🇷 During the same period, influenza (flu) caused only 32 deaths.
Myth 4: Using hand sanitizer is enough to avoid covid-19
At the beginning of the pandemic, gel alcohol and hand hygiene were considered the two main protective measures against covid-19. While still important, science has discovered that the main form of transmission of the virus is not through contact with contaminated surfaces.
According to the pair of scientists, “SARS-CoV-2 is spread through tiny particles of moisture suspended in the air, called aerosols.” Thus, adequate ventilation of spaces – such as keeping windows open – and masks are essential to reduce transmission.
Myth 5: Face masks don’t work
Masks still face criticism during the covid-19 pandemic, even though they are a simple and cheap strategy to prevent the transmission of covid-19. Among the possible explanations there are three main factors:
“Used correctly, the PFF2 and PFF3 masks filter 95% and 99% of particles up to the size of the aerosol, respectively. In this way, they protect both the user and others” from covid-19, say the scientists.
| To understand the risk of contracting covid-19 in any environment, with or without masks, the Canaltec published a special from a study on risks, developed by researchers at the University of Colorado and Pennsylvania State University, both in the United States. |
Myth 6: Vaccines are no longer effective
At present, first-generation vaccines built from the original strain of the coronavirus are still effective in preventing severe cases and deaths. In addition, they protect against the long covid. However, they need to be refreshed periodically, through booster doses, as recommended by health experts. Today, for example, the fifth dose of the vaccine is already available for some people in Brazil.
To enhance the immune response against Omicron and its descendants, such as BA.4 and BA.5, Moderna Pharmaceuticals and Pfizer also developed the first bivalent formulas. This means they protect against two types of virus strains, in one flu vaccine-like program🇧🇷 Coming soon, these doses should reach the Brazilians and, with that, it will increase the defenses against the virus.
Source: The conversation
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