How do you reduce your chances of catching COVID-19? There has been so much contradicting news about this pandemic, it can be difficult to know what is fact versus fiction. And with summer in full swing, it’s likely our exposure to people both indoors and outdoors could increase, making it more important than ever to know what is accurate information. Below you’ll find a list to help you learn what is true about the virus and how to stay protected.

Fact or Fiction? You don’t need to wear a mask in public unless you are sick.

False.

Everyone should wear a mask in public, whether they are indoors or outdoors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing a cloth face-covering in public whenever they are outside of their house. This is because cloth face coverings can help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus, and oftentimes, people might not know if they have the virus. For example, someone could have COVID-19 but not experience any symptoms. This is why it’s important to wear your mask any time you leave your home and are around people who do not live in your household.

Fact or Fiction? The symptoms of COVID can vary from person to person.

Fact.

According to the CDC, people who have had COVID-19 have experienced a wide range of symptoms. These symptoms can be mild or severe and can include: Fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.

This does not include all possible symptoms.

Fact or Fiction? Wearing gloves when running errands prevents me from catching COVID-19.

False.

Wearing gloves while running errands such as grocery shopping, getting gas, or going to an ATM will not necessarily protect you from getting COVID-19. Your best defense against COVID is washing your hands regularly, especially after any outing. You should wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water, or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

You should however wear gloves when cleaning or caring for someone who is sick.

Fact or Fiction? There’s a vaccine currently available to cure COVID.

False.

While a vaccine is currently being worked on, there is not yet a vaccine available. This will most likely take upwards of several months.

Fact or Fiction? You no longer need to social distance.

False.

You should maintain a social distance of six feet apart from any person who does not live in your household. This applies whether you are inside or outside.

Fact or Fiction? Warm outdoor temperatures kill the virus.

False.

Hot outdoor temperatures most likely will not make COVID-19 go away. In fact, it is believed that this virus will still cause people to get sick even in warmer temperatures (such as during summer months).

Fact or Fiction? By washing your body in bleach, you will kill COVID-19.

False.

Bleach is highly toxic to humans if consumed and should not be placed on your body. You should only use bleach on surfaces in your home, such as countertops and cabinet handles, to serve as a disinfectant.

Fact or Fiction? The virus is mainly spread from person to person.

Fact.

The Coronavirus is believed to primarily spread from person to person. Specifically, through respiratory droplets that are produced when a person who is infected coughs, sneezes, or talks. Those droplets then land in the mouth, nose, or lungs of people nearby. This is why it is important to practice social distancing and maintain at least six feet apart from one another.

Fact or Fiction? If you’re outside, you won’t get COVID-19.

False.

Despite what many people believe, you can still catch COVID-19 outside. To reduce your risk of catching the virus in the outdoors, you should:

• Maintain a social distance of six feet from people who are not in your household.
• Always wear your mask.
• Not touch your face.
• Not touch any surfaces.
• Wash your hands with either soap for 20 seconds or hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

What To Do If You or Someone In Your House Gets Sick, Or Is Exposed to COVID-19

According to the CDC, if you get sick or someone in your house gets sick:

• Stay home, unless you need to receive medical care.
• The sick household member should use a separate bathroom and bedroom.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, going to the bathroom, and before eating or preparing food.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Provide your sick household member with clean disposable facemasks to wear at home, if available, to help prevent spreading COVID-19 to others.
• Clean the sick room and bathroom as needed, to avoid unnecessary contact with the sick person.

According to the CDC, if you had contact with someone who has COVID-19:

• Be alert for symptoms.
• Take your temperature and follow CDC guidance if you have symptoms.

When to seek emergency attention:

The following symptoms are considered emergency medical symptoms (please note these are not all possible symptoms):

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

Knowing the facts about COVID-19 will reduce your chances of catching the virus and help you to stay safe and healthy.