The New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic and Assistance Foundation has presented important facts on the new coronavirus, including how it is contracted and spread, common misconceptions of the illness, and what symptoms look like, in order to keep the musicians and general public of New Orleans safe and informed. 

Some myths about COVID-19 that need clarifying are the following:

Rubber Gloves

Wearing rubber gloves does not offer you more protection against catching coronavirus. Regularly washing your hands with soap and water offers more protection than wearing rubber gloves. Gloves can still pick up COVID-19 contamination. 

Rinsing Nose with Saline

There is no evidence to show that regularly rinsing the nose with saline protects people from infection or prevents contraction.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria, not viruses. The new coronavirus is a virus, and therefore antibiotics should not be used as a preventative measure or treatment.

Mosquito Bites

No current information or evidence suggests that coronavirus can be transmitted through mosquito bites. Coronavirus is a respiratory virus that is spread primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through saliva or discharge from the nose. 

Hand Dryers

Hand dryers are not effective in killing COVID-19. Protection is through frequent hand washing with soap and water and/or cleaning hands with an alcohol-based rub. 

It is also vital that people understand how coronavirus appears in symptoms and when they need to be tested. Coronavirus can be contracted by persons of any sex, race, or age. Everyone is at equal risk. Coronavirus is a respiratory illness caused by a virus that causes mild to severe illness and can lead to death. The virus is different from the flu. Know what to look out for:

Symptoms Appear

Symptoms may appear anywhere from 2 to 14 days after exposure.

Symptoms:

One must exhibit these symptoms in order to be tested: a fever above 100.4 degrees, cough, shortness of breath, and feeling ill

If you have a fever equal to or above 102 degrees and/or suffer from chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiac disease, or asthma, seek immediate medical care. To find a test site in New Orleans, dial 2-1-1 or visit ready.nola.gov

To learn more about the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic and its work relating to COVID-19, click here.