Buzz
There’s an overwhelming amount of both facts and falsehoods circulating regarding COVID-19. However, one key trait sets real experts apart from charlatans and attention-seekers: when someone speaks with unwavering confidence, they’re likely making things up.
This virus is new to science
This particular coronavirus was not known to science prior to December. If anyone claims that a specific supplement or diet or anything can “cure” coronavirus, they are mistaken. Nothing has been scientifically tested against it yet.
There are a few antiviral medications being tested, such as remdesivir. The results are still pending and won’t be available for some time. Please refrain from believing any chain letters claiming that zinc is “proven” to work or that the government is concealing kratom’s effectiveness. The research simply hasn’t been conducted; it cannot have been done yet.
Health authorities worldwide have been closely monitoring China since they were the first to confront this virus, and they responded quickly and seemingly effectively. Findings from the World Health Organization’s China report are available here, for those interested. For instance, social distancing appeared to be effective. However, there’s no guarantee that what worked in China will yield the same results elsewhere. Too many variables (biological, social, economic) make it impossible to predict outcomes with certainty.
We’ve never witnessed a virus like this spread globally before
It also has not yet spread globally in full, and we are uncertain how each country's healthcare system will cope. Whether someone is telling you not to panic or predicting a catastrophic outcome, the truth is that we simply do not know how severe this will become. It’s also not fair to compare the mortality rate or the R0 of a new, still-developing pandemic to that of established diseases like the flu or measles, for which many people are already vaccinated.
True experts constantly update their understanding of the situation. I’ve yet to hear actual epidemiologists, virologists, or public health professionals state something and hold firm to it. They stress that we’re learning as we go, making necessary judgments, and continually revising our understanding of the virus.
Change can be a positive force, truly.
As things shift, it becomes crucial to see adaptations in recommendations. Before the outbreak spreads to your nation, it’s essential to encourage handwashing and for healthcare workers to be well-prepared for the possibility of encountering the first case of coronavirus.
When a few cases emerge, it's wise to trace the individuals each sick person has come into contact with, treating those as high-risk, while others maintain hygiene and preparedness without panic.
And once the number of cases grows to a point where tracing each one becomes impossible, social distancing starts to seem like a reasonable response. We’re approaching that stage in the US now.
At first, we were told to wash our hands and stay calm; then, there was widespread concern about a handful of cases; and now, everything seems to be shutting down unexpectedly. Yes, this is how it should unfold.
During uncertain times, it can bring some peace to see someone stick to the same message, no matter the circumstances. However, as situations change, so should the response, and that’s where change is beneficial. Even if some information seems credible, always verify it with current sources (such as the WHO) to ensure its relevance.
