3 top myths about Covid-19 and how you can continue to keep safe

In this article, we’ve set out to bust Covid-19 myths, focusing on three of the most common.

We also give you a few handy reminders about continuing to keep safe from infection.

It’s just a cold

It’s true that Covid-19 can cause mild symptoms in some people, just like the common cold. In these people, symptoms include:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Sore or scratchy throat
• Cough
• Mild headache
• Mild fever
• Loss of taste or smell
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting or diarrhoea

But in other individuals, Covid-19 can produce more serious symptoms and there is a risk of longer-term symptoms too.

Moderate symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Fever that won’t go away
• A cough that gets worse and produces mucus
• A feeling of dizziness or weakness

In some of the worst cases, the patient may experience:

• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Pale, blue or clammy skin
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Inability to pass urine or passing very little urine
• Coughing up blood

If you or someone close to you experiences severe symptoms, you should dial triple zero (000) for emergency medical assistance.

If your symptoms are not severe but are getting worse, call your GP for advice.

Having your vaccination stops you from getting infected

Although vaccination is the most effective way of preventing the spread of infection, it can’t guarantee that you won’t get Covid-19.

This is especially true with the rise of even more infectious variants like Omicron.

You also need to know that vaccination doesn’t necessarily stop complications of Covid-19, such as issues to do with the heart, liver or kidneys, blood clots or chronic fatigue.

But the public are still urged to get up-to-date with their Covid-19 vaccinations and booster shots to protect themselves and the community around them.

As well as preventing the spread of infection, vaccination is effective in stopping people from getting very ill if they have Covid-19.

Alcohol-based sanitisers aren’t safe for everyone

Some people believe that alcohol-based sanitisers simply aren’t safe for everyone to use.

This is untrue. The alcohol used does not cause any harm, and very little is absorbed into the skin.

Many hand sanitisers also contain a moisturising ingredient to counter any drying effects of alcohol.

This all means that alcohol-based hand sanitisers can be used safely by the young, vulnerable and elderly and those with sensitive skin too.

In fact, they’re a great way to help protect yourself in between handwashing against the germs that cause all sorts of different conditions.

The most effective way to use hand sanitiser is to dispense a palm-sized amount and rub it over the entire surface of your hands until they feel dry. This should take 20 to 30 seconds.

How can I continue to keep safe?

Just by reading this article, you’ve helped to keep yourself and others safe by understanding more about Covid-19 infection.

You can also take the following steps to reduce the chances of getting or spreading Covid-19:

• Get vaccinated and have your booster injection.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitiser in between handwashing.
• Wear a face mask when you are in crowded or confined spaces.
• Practise physical distancing.
• Keep your house well ventilated.
• Catch coughs and sneezes in your bent elbow or a tissue.
• If you develop symptoms, isolate yourself from others and seek medical advice.
• If your symptoms are mild, you are likely to be advised to rest at home. In this case, keep an eye on your temperature with a reliable thermometer and note other symptoms too.
• If you have a persistent fever or your symptoms worsen, consult your GP or dial triple zero (000) if your symptoms become severe.

It pays to know the truth

Covid-19 is still present in Australia, and experts say that it will never go away.

That’s why it pays to know the truths and myths about this disease and how it spreads to prevent infection.

You can also stock up on health and wellbeing items such as hand sanitiser, face masks, cooling products and more in our online store.

Know that we’re here to empower you to make healthy choices for you and your family by delivering quality products swiftly throughout Australia!