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Contact
Bryan Mader DrPH, MPH, CHES
Assistant Professor- Health
Phone: 501-671-2104
Email: bmader@uada.edu
Office:
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
2301 S. University Avenue
Little Rock, AR 72204
COVID-19 Myth Busting
Food and groceries
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that, “Currently, there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19” (USFDA, 2020). Unlike foodborne gastrointestinal (GI) viruses like norovirus and hepatitis A that often make people ill through contaminated food, SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, is a virus that causes respiratory illness and not gastrointestinal illness. Foodborne exposure to this virus is not known to be a route of transmission.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that, “Currently, there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19” (USFDA, 2020).
Before eating or preparing fresh fruits and vegetables, wash the produce under cold running tap water to remove any stuck-on dirt. This reduces bacteria that may be present. If there is a firm surface, such as on apples or potatoes, the surface can be scrubbed with a brush.
Consumers should not wash fruits and vegetables with detergent or soap. These products are not approved or labeled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use on foods. You could ingest residues from soap or detergent absorbed on the produce (USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service).
For the average consumer, research has shown that washing produce with tap water is just as effective as washing produce with any produce wash solutions that are on the market. There is currently no evidence that vinegar or vinegar solutions are effective in killing the COVID-19 virus. Washing produce in vinegar may also negatively change the texture and taste of your produce. Wash your produce under running water as recommended by the FDA.
https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-during-emergencies/food-safety-and-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/keep-food-safe.html
Leftovers should be reheated to 165 degrees to prevent foodborne illness. However, this does not prevent transmission of COVID-19, as it is not transmitted through food.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that, “Currently, there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19” (USFDA, 2020). Unlike foodborne gastrointestinal (GI) viruses like norovirus and hepatitis A that often make people ill through contaminated food, SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, is a virus that causes respiratory illness and not gastrointestinal illness. Foodborne exposure to this virus is not known to be a route of transmission.
No. The temperature of foods you eat has no effect on the COVID-19 virus. Once inside our cells, the virus is protected from any extremes of temperature.
No. Gargling with salt water may ease a sore throat, though.
No. The temperature of foods you eat has no effect on the COVID-19 virus. Once inside our cells, the virus is protected from any extremes of temperature.
Disinfecting/Sanitizing
479) 575-3462
CDC recommends handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or, using alcohol-based
hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available. These
actions are part of everyday preventive actions individuals can take to slow the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19.
• When washing hands, you can use plain soap or antibacterial soap. Plain soap is
as effective as antibacterial soap at removing germs.
• If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an FDA-approved alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least
60% alcohol by looking at the product label.
FDA does not encourage the production and use of homemade hand sanitizer products because of concerns over the correct use of the ingredients and the need to work under sterile conditions to make the product. Local industries
that are looking into producing hand sanitizer to fill in for commercial shortages
can refer to the World Health Organization guidance. Organizations should revert to the use of commercially produced, FDA-approved product
once such supplies again become available.
• To be effective against killing some types of germs, hand sanitizers need to have a strength of at least 60% alcohol and be used when hands are not visibly
dirty or greasy.
• Do not rely on “Do It Yourself” or “DIY” recipes based solely on essential oils or
formulated without correct compounding practices.
• Do not use hand sanitizer to disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects. See CDC’s information for cleaning and sanitizing your home.
No. Always follow the instructions on household cleaners. Do not use disinfect sprays or wipes on your skin because it may cause skin and eye irritation. Disinfectant sprays or wipes are not intended for use on humans or animals. Disinfectant sprays or wipes are intended for use on hard, non-porous surfaces.
There is no evidence that mouthwash protects you from the COVID-19 virus.
https://www.nationaljewish.org/patients-visitors/patient-info/important-updates/coronavirus-information-and-resources/about-coronavirus-covid-19
https://www.wakehealth.edu/Coronavirus/Myths-and-Facts
https://www.listerine.com/covid-19-update#does-rinsing-with-listerine-antiseptic-mouthwash-kill-the-covid-19-virus
Splash-less bleach is a little thicker than regular household bleach and is less likely to splash, but the sodium hypochlorite concentration is only 1-5%. It isn’t strong enough to sanitize and disinfect, as the label warns. Splash-less bleach will not sanitize or kill the COVID-19 virus.
For disinfecting surfaces, look for bleach that is marketed as disinfectant bleach. This bleach will sanitize surfaces, and kill COVID-19. Clorox has a list of products that are effective against COVID-19 on its website.
https://www.asdwa.org/2016/06/03/regular-vs-splash-less-chlorine-for-disinfection/
https://www.clorox.com/resources/help-prevent-the-spread-of-coronavirus/
It is a good idea to wash your cloth face covering frequently, ideally after each use, or at least daily. Have a bag or bin to keep cloth face coverings in until they can be laundered with detergent and hot water and dried on a hot cycle. If you must re-wear your cloth face covering before washing, wash your hands immediately after putting it back on and avoid touching your face. Discard cloth face coverings that:
- No longer cover the nose and mouth
- Have stretched out or damaged ties or straps
- Cannot stay on the face
- Have holes or tears in the fabric
It is not recommended to use a microwave to sanitize your fabric facemask. While some Ziplock and other branded sandwich bags are microwavable, this is not true for all brands and varieties. Microwaving your fabric facemask may degrade the material and reduce its effectiveness in reducing the number of respiratory droplets you produce when you breathe, cough, or sneeze.
Disease Transmission
According to the CDC, COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person. The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads mainly from person-to-person:
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about six feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
- COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
The virus does not spread easily in other ways. It may be possible for COVID-19 to
spread in other ways, but these are not thought to be the main ways the virus spreads.
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object
that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their
eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-covid-spreads.html
No. At this time, CDC has no data to suggest that this new coronavirus (COVID-19) or other similar coronaviruses are spread by mosquitoes or ticks. The main way that COVID-19 spreads is from person to person. See How Coronavirus Spreads for more information.
The virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is stable in aerosols for up to three hours and on surfaces like copper for four hours, cardboard for 24 hours, and plastic and stainless steel for up to two to three days. The ability of the virus to remain on these surfaces varies under different conditions (e.g., temperature or humidity). If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. But this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
“No. The virus survives best on smooth surfaces. Porous materials, such as pet fur, tend to absorb and trap pathogens, making it harder to contract them through touch. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no scientific evidence indicating that any animals in the United States, including pets, can spread COVID-19 or that they might be a source of infection in the United States. The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans) in one tiger at a zoo in New York. This is the first instance of a tiger being infected with COVID-19. Samples from this tiger were taken and tested after several lions and tigers at the zoo showed symptoms of respiratory illness.
Public health officials believe these large cats became sick after being exposed to a zoo employee who was actively shedding virus. The zoo has been closed to the public since mid-March, and the first tiger began showing signs of sickness on March 27. All of these large cats are expected to recover. There is no evidence that other animals in other areas of the zoo are showing symptoms.
USDA and CDC are monitoring the situation and working to support the state and local health departments and state animal health officials. State animal and public health officials will take the lead in making determinations about whether animals, either at this zoo or in other areas, should be tested for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. USDA will notify the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) of this finding.
Anyone sick with COVID-19 should restrict contact with animals, out of an abundance of caution including pets, during their illness, just as they would with other people. Although there have not been reports of pets becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. If a sick person must care for a pet or be around animals, they should wash their hands before and after the interaction.
No evidence currently exists to suggest that the hair on our heads and bodies may be modes of COVID-19 transmission. Continuing regular, daily hygiene habits (including showering and washing your hair) will rid your hair of any contaminants, similar to using proper handwashing techniques.”
COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person in respiratory droplets from someone who is infected. People who are infected often have symptoms of illness. However, recent studies suggest that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms (CDC).
For these reasons, the best ways to protect yourself include:
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home as much as possible
- Put distance between yourself and other people
- Wash your hands with soap and water often
COVID-19 has been reported as being isolated from animals that were in close contact with people known to be infected with the virus, but there is no evidence that animals can transmit the virus to people. This holds true for animals in agriculture.
https://www.uaex.uada.edu/life-skills-wellness/health/covid19/animals.aspx
Personal Protection
The CDC has not recommended people who are well to wear gloves. The CDC has only recommended
glove usage if you are caring for someone who is ill and while cleaning. Health officials
are finding that most citizens aren’t following proper glove usage and can contaminate
themselves through improper usage. It may cause a sense of false security and lead
people to wash their hands less. The CDC still recommends that handwashing and social
distancing are ways to protect yourself from COVID-19
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/disinfecting-your-home.html
https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/is-wearing-gloves-an-effective-defense-against-covid19
To maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission.
Yes. Wearing cloth face coverings is an additional public health measure people should take to reduce the spread of COVID-19. CDC still recommends that you stay at least 6 feet away from other people (social distancing), frequent hand cleaning and other everyday preventive actions. A cloth face covering is not intended to protect the wearer, but it may prevent the spread of virus from the wearer to others. This would be especially important if someone is infected but does not have symptoms. View CDC’s guidance on how to protect yourself.
There is no evidence to suggest contact lens wearers are more at risk for acquiring
COVID-19
than glasses wearers. Contact lens wearers should continue to practice safe contact
lens wear and care hygiene habits. Always wash your hands with soap and water before
handling contact lenses, properly clean your lenses between uses, and make sure to
replace your contact lens case at least every three months.
https://www.cdc.gov/contactlenses/protect-your-eyes.html
Currently there is no data or scientific evidence to suggest that healthy individuals who wear masks or face coverings will have serious health risks. Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children younger than 2 years of age, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance.
The CDC has stated masks can reduce the spread of COVID-19 by protecting others if someone is infected and not showing symptoms yet or if they remain asymptomatic. The CDC advises that everyone should wear a mask, when able, if they are outside of their home, especially in places where social distancing may not be possible (grocery stores, pharmacies). Staying home, frequent 20 second handwashing, and social distancing are still the best ways the CDC recommends to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
From the CDC: Illness Prevention
Prevention/Treatment
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found data that shows a potential connection between COVID-19 severity and blood type. Those with type-A blood were more susceptible to having a severe case, while those with type-O blood were found to have more mild symptoms. Other researchers also studied this possible connection. Their findings have not yet been evaluated by the medical community and may contain errors or report information that has not yet been accepted or endorsed (1,2).
This is emerging research, and additional research is needed to further explore whether
or not there is an association between blood type and COVID-19 severity. The New England
Journal of Medicine article can be found at https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2020283.
[1] Zhao, J. et al. (2020 preprint). Relationship between the ABO blood group
the COVID-19 susceptibility doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.03.11.20031096
[2] Zietz, M. & Tatonetti, N.P. (2020 preprint). Testing the association between
blood type and COVID-19 infection, intubation, and death
doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.04.08.20058073
No. Being able to hold your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing or feeling discomfort does not mean that you are free from COVID-19 or any other respiratory-related illness. Currently, the only way to confirm that you have the virus is through a laboratory test. You cannot confirm it with this breathing exercise (WHO).
No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria.
The new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not
be used as a means of prevention or treatment. However, if you are hospitalized for
the 2019-nCoV, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible
(World Health Organization).
Yes. Please visit our vaccine page for more information.
Currently, there are no FDA-approved or clinically proven therapies for treatment
of COVID-19. At present, the FDA has not approved use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine
for COVID19 prophylaxis.
If used, hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine should be restricted to patients who are
admitted to hospitals with COVID-19 infections. The role of hydroxychloroquine and
chloroquine in an individual patient’s care should be discussed with an infectious
disease physician at the healthcare facility.
Chloroquine phosphate, when used without a prescription and supervision of a healthcare
provider, can cause serious health consequences, including death. Clinicians and public
health officials should discourage the public from misusing non-pharmaceutical chloroquine
phosphate (a chemical used in home aquariums). Clinicians should advise patients and
the public that chloroquine, and the related compound hydroxychloroquine, should be
used only under the supervision of a healthcare provider as prescribed medications.
• Do not ingest aquarium use products or any other chemicals that contain chloroquine
phosphate. These chemicals are not intended for human consumption and can lead to
serious health consequences, including death.
• Medications like chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine sulfate should be
taken only when prescribed by and under the supervision of your healthcare provider
and always according to the instructions provided.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing any unexpected symptoms
after taking chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine by contacting your healthcare provider
or your poison center (1- 800-222-1222).
Animals
Yes. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some coronaviruses cause cold-like illnesses in people, while others cause illness in certain types of animals, such as cattle, camels, and bats. Some coronaviruses, such as canine and feline coronaviruses, only infect animals and do not infect humans. For example, bovine coronavirus causes diarrhea in young calves, and pregnant cows are routinely vaccinated to help prevent infection in calves. This vaccine is only licensed for use in cattle for bovine coronavirus and is not licensed to prevent COVID-19 in cattle or other species, including humans.
Dogs can get a respiratory coronavirus, which is part of the complex of viruses and
bacteria associated with canine infectious respiratory disease, commonly known as
“kennel cough.” While this virus is highly contagious among both domestic and wild
dogs, it is not transmitted to other animal species or humans.
Most strains of feline enteric coronavirus, a gastrointestinal form, are fought off
by a cat’s immune system without causing disease. However, in a small proportion of
these cats, the virus can cause feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a disease that
is almost always fatal.
Other species, like horses, turkeys, chickens, and swine, can contract their own species-specific strains of coronavirus but, like the other strains mentioned above, they are not known to be transmissible to humans.
Yes. The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services
Laboratories has confirmed SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans) in
one tiger at a zoo in New York. This is the first instance of a tiger being infected
with COVID-19. Samples from this tiger were taken and tested after several lions and
tigers at the zoo showed symptoms of respiratory illness.
Public health officials believe these large cats became sick after being exposed to
a zoo employee who was actively shedding virus. The zoo has been closed to the public
since mid-March, and the first tiger began showing signs of sickness on March 27.
All of these large cats are expected to recover. There is no evidence that other animals
in other areas of the zoo are showing symptoms.
USDA and CDC are monitoring the situation and working to support the state and local
health departments and state animal health officials. State animal and public health
officials will take the lead in making determinations about whether animals, either
at this zoo or in other areas, should be tested for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. USDA will
notify the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) of this finding.
Anyone sick with COVID-19 should restrict contact with animals, out of an abundance
of caution including pets, during their illness, just as they would with other people.
Although there have not been reports of pets becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United
States, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with
animals until more information is known about the virus. If a sick person must care
for a pet or be around animals, they should wash their hands before and after the
interaction (USDA).
On April 22nd, 2020, The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) today announced the first confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) infection in two pet cats. These are the first pets in the United States to test positive for SARS-CoV-2.
The cats live in two separate areas of New York state. Both had mild respiratory illness and are expected to make a full recovery. SARS-CoV-2 infections have been reported in very few animals worldwide, mostly in those that had close contact with a person with COVID-19.
At this time, routine testing of animals is not recommended. Should other animals be confirmed positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the United States, USDA will post the findings. State animal health and public health officials will take the lead in making determinations about whether animals should be tested for SARS-CoV-2.
Public health officials are still learning about SARS-CoV-2, but there is no evidence that pets play a role in spreading the virus in the United States. Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals that may compromise their welfare. Further studies are needed to understand if and how different animals, including pets, could be affected.
Until we know more, CDC recommends the following:
- Do not let pets interact with people or other animals outside the household.
- Keep cats indoors when possible to prevent them from interacting with other animals or people.
- Walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least 6 feet from other people and animals.
- Avoid dog parks or public places where a large number of people and dogs gather.
- If you are sick with COVID-19 (either suspected or confirmed by a test), restrict contact with your pets and other animals, just like you would around other people.
When possible, have another member of your household care for your pets while you are sick.
Avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding.
If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wear a cloth face covering and wash your hands before and after you interact with them.
2020 Economic Impact Payments
No. The federal government and state will not be counting the economic impact check as income. You will not pay taxes on it.
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
No. This is one-time money. If you qualified this year, you will not need to repay the money next year, even if that child no longer lives with you.
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
No. The economic impact payment will not impact the amount you owe in taxes or receive as a refund when you file your 2020 taxes in 2021.
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
If you share custody of a child, the parent who claimed him or her on the most recent tax return will receive the $500.
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
If you had a child since the last time you filed a tax return, you are still able to receive the $500 economic impact payment. However, you may have to wait until next year when you file your 2020 tax return to receive that $500 payment. The economic impact payment is considered a “refundable tax credit” on tax returns, which means you can claim your new child on next year’s return and receive the money regardless of how much you might owe in taxes.
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm975
https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/news
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
Weather
UV lamps should not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation. You can contract COVID-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. Countries with hot weather have reported cases of COVID-19. To protect yourself, make sure you clean your hands frequently and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose. (World Health Organization).
Origin
No. While two research labs do exist in Wuhan Province—the Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Wuhan Institute of Virology—that is the only factual evidence put forth to assert this claim.
In fact, in the scientific journal Nature Medicine, researchers concluded that “Our analyses clearly show that SARS-CoV-2 is not a laboratory construct or a purposefully manipulated virus.” Read the study here.
COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and may different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people. This occurred with MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, and now with the virus that causes COVID-19. More information about the source and spread of COVID-19 is available on the Situation Summary: Source and Spread of the Virus.
No. The word “corona” comes from the Latin word for “crown.” This descriptor is used because of the physical appearance of the virus under a microscope—it has a crown-like appearance with spikes sticking up.
Drinking the beer will not give you COVID-19 and it also will not prevent you from getting COVID-19. The names are just a coincidence. Drinking alcohol does not protect you against COVID-19 and may be dangerous. Frequent or excessive alcohol consumption may increase your risk of health problems. *Please note that this information could change as the science and understanding of
the COVID-19 virus advances. We will continue to update this page as new scientific evidence is available.
Please contact bmader@uada.edu with questions.