Facts – Accessible

COVID-19 Misinformation – Let’s Learn The Facts

There is a lot of misinformation about COVID-19.

Here is a list of credible sources for information on COVID-19:

• WAHA Website and Facebook Page
• Porcupine Health Unit
• Nishnawbe Aski Nation COVID- 19 Response
• Ontario Ministry of Health
• Public Health Ontario
• Public Health Agency of Canada
• World Health Organization

Does COVID-19 affect older people, or are young people also susceptible?

People of all ages can be infected by the coronavirus (COVID-19). Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.

People of all ages need to take the necessary steps to protect themselves from the virus.

Source: World Health Organization

Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating COVID-19?

No, antibiotics do not work against the viruses, only bacteria.

COVID-19 is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment. However, if you are hospitalized for COVID-19, you may receive antibiotics since bacterial co-infection is possible.

Source: World Health Organization

FACT: COVID-19 is caused by a virus and NOT by bacteria.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is in a family of viruses called Coronaviridae. Antibiotics do not work against the virus.

Some people who become ill with COVID-19 can also develop a bacterial infection as a complication. In this case, antibiotics may be recommended by a healthcare provider.

If you have symptoms, call the public health office in your community.

Source: World Health Organization

FACT: The prolonged use of medical masks when properly worn, DOES NOT cause CO2 intoxication nor oxygen deficiency

The prolonged use of medical masks can be uncomfortable. However, it does not lead to CO2 intoxication nor oxygen deficiency.

While wearing a medical mask, make sure it fits properly and that it is tight enough to allow you to breathe normally. Do not re-use a disposable mask and always change it as soon as it gets damp.

Medical masks (also known as surgical masks) are flat or pleated; they are affixed to the head with straps or have ear loops.

Source: World Health Organization

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine can protect you from becoming ill with COVID-19.

I know these vaccines were developed quickly and that concerns me – were shortcuts taken?

No. Because it is a health emergency and because doctors and scientists worked together all over the world, the vaccines took less time to develop. Tens of thousands of people volunteered to be in the studies for the vaccine. Health Canada reviewed and approved the vaccines according to high standards and no shortcuts were taken.

The vaccines that have been approved are very effective at preventing people from catching COVID-19 and getting sick. Vaccines for other infections like meningitis and polio have prevented millions of people from getting these diseases and have saved lives.

What are the side effects?

Health Canada has conducted a rigorous scientific review of the available medical evidence to assess the safety of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. No major safety concerns have been identified in the data that we reviewed.

The possible side effects of the vaccine include:

• Pain at the injection site
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle ache and stiffness
• Chills
• Fever
• Swelling or redness at the injection site
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Enlarged lymph nodes

As with all vaccines, there’s a chance that there will be a serious side effect, but these are rare. Please contact your health care provider immediately if you experience:

• Hives (bumps on the skin that are often very itchy)
• Swelling of the face, tongue or throat
• Difficulty breathing