Separating Fact from Fiction Regarding COVID-19

For the last few months, this country has been reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. Our area of the country – New York City especially – has been one of the hardest-hit areas, and unfortunately, in the midst of panic, disinformation gets spread quickly – often much more quickly than the truth.

COVID-19 Myth 1: Kids Don’t Get the Virus

Nothing could be further from the truth. Not only do children and young people get the virus, but because their symptoms are milder, they tend to carry it to more people because they do not know they are ill. And children who are immunocompromised or have asthma or other medical conditions can be at great risk from the virus.

COVID-19 Myth 2: You Can Get the Virus Again

Once you’ve had the novel coronavirus, your body builds antibodies. You cannot contract the virus again. However, it is possible that after having the virus, your lung capacity will continue to be diminished for quite some time, which may make you vulnerable to other viruses.

COVID-19 Myth 3: This Virus Is Just a Flu Bug that Will Run Its Course

When major sporting leagues cancel their seasons and Disneyland closes their doors, you can be assured this is more than just a simple flu that will run its course. The weeks of quarantine, social isolation, and social distancing have been an effort not to eradicate the coronavirus but to slow the spread long enough for the hospitals to gear up with the equipment they need to better handle the influx of patients, so that we don’t exceed capacity for the number of urgent cases there are.

COVID-19 Myth 4: Conspiracy!

This is not all just a conspiracy, foreign or domestic, to try to impact economic and political stability. It is a real virus with real and deadly consequences. If you believe you may be ill, please call for an appointment.

At Park Avenue Medical Professionals, we strive to develop a long-term relationship with our patients by delivering the highest quality care – whether it’s a scheduled well visit or an urgent health concern that needs immediate attention. Learn more about our general medicine and urgent care services by contacting our office. You can also make an appointment by filling out this form. In order to get a prompt response for same-day urgent care appointments, please contact our office directly by calling 212.427.2000.