A tiny, microscopic virus like the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus can begin in a single person and eventually spread to infect billions based on its transmission rate and the behaviors of people. We can mitigate or even stop it entirely, but only if drastic enough actions are taken in a timely fashion. (GETTY)

5 Harmful But Untrue Myths About The Novel Coronavirus

We cannot give in to fear, but we cannot be reckless when the lives and health of so many are at stake.

There is a novel infectious disease that is currently spreading across planet Earth, having already infected millions and killed close to 300,000 human beings. The disease, COVID-19, is caused by a novel strain of coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which currently has neither a vaccine nor a universally safe and successful treatment for it. This highly contagious virus can be spread through coughing, sneezing, or even talking, and is particularly deadly to the elderly and immunocompromised.

There are important actions we can all take ⁠ — and important behaviors to avoid ⁠ — if we want to maximize the number of lives saved while minimizing the damage caused by non-essential contacts. However, a number of untrue narratives have arisen that are dangerously misinformative about the virus, how it spreads, and how it impacts both individuals and society. Here’s the real science, to the best of our knowledge, about 5 of the most widespread and harmful myths about the novel coronavirus.