We answer your questions about the coronavirus
Sarah Kay LeBlanc
Des Moines Register
As panic over the novel coronavirus rises, myths and misinformation have begun to circulate.
Across social media and in communities that are starting to see their first cases, people have been wondering whether the flu has a higher mortality rate and if healthy people should stock up on masks.
Health professionals and others have answered some of the most common questions people have been asking about the virus researchers still don't know much about.
Can I still catch the coronavirus if I received a flu shot this year?
Yes. Seasonal flu shots are important to protect yourself from the flu but are not effective against coronavirus.
Will a flu shot at least make the symptoms of coronavirus less severe?
No. The flu and coronavirus are two different illness and the flu shot will not protect someone from coronavirus.
Will a face mask protect me from coronavirus?
The general public does not need to wear masks. Those who are sick should wear masks to prevent germs from spreading to others.
Is the coronavirus deadlier than the flu?
Yes. Research on the mortality rate of coronavirus is still ongoing and is subject to change, but the World Health Organization announced March 3 that estimates currently put the global rate at about 3.4%, compared to 0.1% for the flu.
In Iowa:Here's the latest on cases and what you need to know
If I have an international trip planned, should I cancel it?
The U.S. State Department warned Americans late Wednesday to avoid traveling abroad and issued a global travel warning of level 3 — "reconsider travel," one level below its strongest warning — for all overseas travel. It also advises U.S. citizens against traveling by cruise ship and against long airplane trips and crowded places.
The CDC has advised Americans to "avoid nonessential travel" to Europe — a Level 3, its highest warning. This covers essentially the entire continent — 29 countries and principalities — including some of the most popular destinations for U.S travelers, Germany, France, Spain and Italy.
The CDC also recommends avoiding all non-essential travel to China, South Korea and Iran. This does not include Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan. Japan is at a level 2 alert (practice enhanced precautions), and Hong Kong is at a level one watch (practice usual precautions).
Also on Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced travel from certain European countries would be restricted for 30 days starting Friday. The order suspends the entry of most foreign nationals who have been in 29 European countries at any point during the 14 days prior to their scheduled arrival to the United States. The United Kingdom is exempted.
Many people have canceled trips abroad amid fears of contracting the virus. Some universities have canceled study abroad programs, and some companies have put a pause on international travel.
How long is a person contagious before they start showing symptoms?
Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms, according to the CDC. However, people are most contagious when they develop symptoms, which is generally two to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
Are certain groups of people more likely to contract the coronavirus than others?
According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, the risk of contracting the coronavirus currently is associated with recent travel to a country where community transmission is ongoing, not a race or country of origin.
What is the recommendation for pregnant mothers?
It's unclear how the coronavirus may affect pregnant women. In general, pregnant women may experience changes to their bodies that could make them more susceptible to viral respiratory infections, according to the CDC.
There is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted from an infected mother to her fetus, and, in a limited number of recent cases of infants born to mothers with COVID-19, none of the infants have tested positive for the virus, the CDC said.
If someone gets coronavirus and recovers, can they get it again?
A protective antibody is generated in those who are infected. "However, in certain individuals, the antibody cannot last that long. For many patients who have been cured, there is a likelihood of relapse," said Li QinGyuan, director of pneumonia prevention and treatment at China-Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing.
Gregory Poland, director of the Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group, said the chance of reinfection is "very likely."
However, Eng Eong Ooi, a professor of emerging infectious diseases at Singapore's Duke-NUS Medical School, said the data is too new to determine definitively whether the immunity will last for a very short period of time, for years or for life.
Is there an estimate for how long the virus can stay on surfaces?
The virus is spreading rapidly from person to person, and scientists are still learning more about how it spreads. According to the CDC, the virus spreads between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) and through respiratory droplets, much like the common cold or flu.
There's no evidence that the virus can be transmitted through food, and there is likely very low risk of spread from food products or packaging that is shipped over a period of days or weeks, according to the CDC.
It is, however, possible that a person can get the virus by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own face. A recent study by scientists in the U.S. found that viable viruses could be detected up to three hours later in the air, up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel.
Should I be worried about eating out?
Public health experts say it's safe to dine out as long as you take precautions such as frequently cleaning your hands with soap or hand sanitizer and staying at least 3 feet away from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
People who are concerned about eating buffet-style should take precautions. Buffets do pose a risk since people are typically lined up close together and may be handling the same utensil to serve the food. Benjamin Chapman, a professor at North Carolina State University, said plexiglass shields over food in buffet lines can protect the food from catching droplets if someone sneezes.
If you are nervous, ask an employee to serve you or ask for protective gloves. And don't handle serving utensils at a buffet and then touch your face until you wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
Did the virus escape from a Chinese lab?
No. The new coronavirus is not a bioweapon engineered by scientists in China. Early last month, bloggers began to circulate a theory on social media and other websites that the virus was man-made.
Scientists are still researching how COVID-19 emerged but say it is not man-made. The first infection, reported in December 2019, was linked to a market in Wuhan, China. It's still unclear how transmission unfolded.
Does a coronavirus test cost $3,000?
No, it's free. FactCheck.org reported that a claim that a test for COVID-19 costs patients in the U.S. more than $3,000 originated on Twitter, where it amassed more than 250,000 likes and retweets. It became a meme that spread on Facebook.
In actuality, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized the use of two tests — one from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and one from the New York State Department of Public Health — and neither agency charges patients for the test, according to FactCheck.org.
More:Iowa biotech firm says it has produced enough coronavirus tests for 700,000 patients
Do I need to go to the doctor if I have coronavirus symptoms, or can I just get better at home?
If someone suspects they have coronavirus, they should consult with their doctor and public health professionals. Coronavirus has a range of symptoms and can be more dangerous to those with underlying conditions. People who suspect they have coronavirus should also call ahead before visiting the doctor so physicians can be prepared.
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Will the coronavirus be gone by April?
In a press briefing last month, Nancy Messonnier, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, cast doubt on this rumor. "I'm happy to hope that it goes down as the weather warms up, but I think it's premature to assume that, and we're certainly not using that to sit back and expect it to go away," Messonnier said.
Like the common cold and flu, COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets, and most viral respiratory diseases have seasons. They spread more during the colder months, but you can still get sick from them during the warmer months, too.
Did coronavirus come from Corona beer?
Funny, but no. In January, the alcoholic beverage from Mexico showed a surge in Google searches, along with the term "corona beer virus" and "beer virus."
In the United States, Google Trends calculated that 57% of the people that searched one of those terms searched for "beer virus," and the remaining 43% searched for "corona beer virus." States like Hawaii, New Mexico and Kansas searched "beer virus" more, whereas states like South Carolina, Colorado and Arizona searched "corona beer virus" more.
Does Pope Francis have the coronavirus?
FactCheck.org reported that a story circulating on social media falsely claimed that the Vatican has confirmed that the pope and two of his aides tested positive for the virus. Several Italian news outlets also reported that the Pope was tested for the virus.
The Vatican has not verified any of these claims, nor has it disclosed whether or not the pope was tested for the coronavirus, according to FactCheck.org. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni issued a statement saying, "The cold the Holy Father was diagnosed with recently is running its course, with no symptoms related to other pathologies."
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Does the CDC recommend shaving beards to protect against the virus?
Social media users sharing a CDC infographic showing various styles of facial hair have suggested that the agency is instructing people to shave beards and mustaches to prevent the coronavirus.
The infographic actually has nothing to do with the new virus. The CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health first published the image in 2017 to show workers what types of facial hairstyles work with a tight-sealing respirator. Facial hair that lies along the sealing area of a respirator, such as beards, sideburns or some mustaches, interferes with respirators that rely on a tight facepiece seal to achieve maximum protection, according to the CDC.
Will I be able to tell if someone has the coronavirus just by looking at them?
People will not be able to immediately tell if someone has coronavirus. Symptoms initially present similar to the flu, and people should visit their doctors if they are concerned.
Can I catch coronavirus from or pass it on to my pets?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not received any reports of pets or other animals contracting the coronavirus. There is also no evidence to support claims that animals can spread coronavirus to people. However, animals can spread other diseases to people, so Dr. Caitlin Pedati, medical director of the Iowa Department of Public Health, said people should always make sure to wash their hands after being around animals.
Is coronavirus more contagious than the flu?
Health officials are not sure yet how contagious the coronavirus is.
If I get the coronavirus, will I have to be quarantined for at least two weeks?
The time period for recovery will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and might vary depending on the person.
Grace Hauck, Adrianna Rodriguez, Jessica Guynn and Kelly Tyko contributed to this article.
Sarah LeBlanc covers trending news for the Register. Reach her at 515-284-8161 or sleblanc@registermedia.com.
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