Coronavirus: Fact vs. fiction

Even though the new coronavirus can stay on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days, the World Health Organization said it's very unlikely that the virus will persist on a surface after it has been exposed to different conditions and temperatures.

You can't get the new coronavirus just from just touching money. But if the virus is on the money, you touch it and then touch your mouth, it's possible it could be transmitted. Places like the Louvre museum in Paris have stopped taking cash, but the World Health Organization has not issued any warnings about using paper money.

Many scientists are working on developing a vaccine for the new coronavirus. The first people in a Kaiser Permanente test trial of a potential vaccine were given the first injections in mid-March.

While Gov. Roy Cooper signed an executive order closing all K-12 public schools in the state, childcare centers and family childcare homes have the option to remain open. The state does have suggestions and guidelines for those places that choose to stay open.

Because the virus has such varied symptoms, you may not know you have it, according to public health experts. You could mistake a cough from a common cold, or you might not be showing any symptoms and could be contagious. That's why it's important to use "social distancing" and frequent hand washing.

While doctors say drinking water is always a good idea to remain hydrated, there is no evidence that drinking more water will flush the virus from your body.

The World Health Organization says that, while such chemicals can be used to disinfect surfaces, they should not be used on humans. They can irritate the skin and eyes, and they will not kill viruses in your body.

A study by doctors in China found there were more patients with Type A blood than other types, but the study hasn't been reviewed by the medical community, so no definite link has been proven.

The virus can affect your lungs and give you a cough. If you’re infected, it might be hard to hold your breath, but that alone isn't enough to detect the virus.

The best masks are the industrial N95s, and even they don’t guarantee 100 percent protection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says those masks are only necessary for medical professionals and people who contracted the virus.

They do offer a small degree of protection, and hospitals have a shortage of the N95 masks that doctors need. A homemade mask can’t replace those, but some doctors are wearing them over their good masks. For people at home, a homemade mask could stop them from touching their faces.

It lives longer on some than others. According to a March 17 article in the New England Journal of Medicine, research has shown it lives on copper for only about four hours while it can last on plastic and stainless steel for up to three days. Using cleaning products on surfaces at home can help prevent the spread of germs.

The virus is transmitted through droplets. If someone sneezes or coughs, those droplets can travel through the air and infect someone. However, experts don't believe the virus lingers in the air like a fog. Once the droplets fall, experts believe the threat is gone.

This is another rumor circulating on social media. Using a blow dryer on your face or hands cannot kill the virus. This has been fact-checked by several news agencies.

There are a variety of myths about gargling warm water with vinegar or salt or other things. Health organizations have repeatedly said this won't work.

That is a conspiracy theory that has been spread on social media, including by some celebrities. But there’s absolutely no evidence that the new wireless technology can spread the virus.

If you use gloves, they might protect your hands. But if you touch your face while wearing gloves, you’re just as likely to transmit the disease. In fact, the World Health Organization says washing your hands is safer than wearing gloves all the time.

State law actually prohibits people from wearing masks to conceal their identity. But the Attorney General’s Office said it’s up to local law enforcement agencies to decide how to enforce that law. So it’s unlikely they will charge anyone for wearing a surgical mask during the pandemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said the virus cannot spread from ticks or mosquitoes.

It would be nice if this were the case, but antibiotics work only against bacteria, not viruses. So, antibiotics won’t work as treatment or prevention for the coronavirus.

Your doctor by law cannot give anyone your medical records without your permission. However, your employer can ask you to provide a doctor’s note or other information depending on the circumstance.

People who are furloughed are still employed but are not working their usual hours or getting paid. Employees who are working only 60 percent of their normal hours may qualify for help.

The government is basically cutting taxes for 2020 and giving you an advance on what you would have saved next year.

The checks were based on last year’s income. Unless you’ve earned a lot more money in 2020 – enough to put you in a new tax bracket – you won’t have to repay.

No. It’s possible for the virus to stick to surfaces for a short amount of time, so you should always wash your hands after getting the mail. But the CDC says there’s currently no evidence that the virus has been transmitted through the mail.

At least, experts don’t think so at this point. So if you’re outside and a jogger’s sweat gets on you, you should definitely wash that area. But the bigger concern here is fluids coming from their mouth. Don’t get within range of anyone’s bodily fluids.

Experts say to wash your hands when you get home from the store and then again after you put groceries away. And, obviously, you should rinse off any produce you have when it’s time to eat. But experts don’t think you need to wipe down your food, especially if it’s in packaging.

In fact you're encouraged to do so! Doctors say that cracked or bleeding hands are more susceptible to infections because germs can more easily enter the body--so if you're washing your hands a lot, as you're supposed to, go ahead and moisturize them while you're at it.

You should routinely wash your face mask, and the CDC says washing it in the washing machine should suffice to make it safe.

South Korea recently announced that dozens of people there tested positive for COVID-19 a second time, after recovering from the virus already. The World Health Organization says there's not enough information yet to understand why that is happening, but we will let you know when more data is released.

The pandemic, the lockdown and then an election year on top of that? That’s enough to affect anyone's mental health. So what can you do? Be mindful of your feelings. And then do things that bring you peace of mind such as baking, exercising or calling a friend.

If you’re stressed, this might be one of the side effects. To get back on track, experts recommend sticking with a consistent schedule. Before you head to bed, pick a calming activity like reading a book. Then, get in bed at the same time every night. Routines can be helpful.

The virus can live on plastic, metal and other materials for several hours. So it’s better if you can play in your yard or an area without toys others have been touching.

Children are used to routines and staying at home this much isn’t normal. So don’t be surprised if your child’s behavior regresses a little bit, or if your teenager has more mood swings.

Unless you’ve been tested and that test was positive, there’s still a chance you haven’t contracted the virus. So you should take precautionary measures. That means wearing a mask or even staying in a different part of the house, if that's an option.

If you experience a full range of COVID-19 symptoms, you may need to go. But call your doctor first. If you just have a cough or just have a fever, you should talk about it with a medical professional before showing up at their office or going to the ER.

This is the way some other viruses work. But the World Health Organization reported this disappointing news on Friday, saying there’s no evidence yet that people who have had COVID-19 are immune from a second infection. ​​​​​

You may have seen reports about workers getting sick at food processing plants. Those reports are certainly concerning. But the CDC says it doesn't believe there's a risk of the virus being transmitted through food -- especially if it’s cooked.

There are rumors online about the virus living on wigs and weaves that are shipped from China, which is a major source for hair extensions. But experts don't believe the virus can live on hair.

It's possible to make hand sanitizer at home, and there are some recipes available online. But making sanitizer that’s effective is harder than what the blogs would have you believe. Medical experts recommend using commercial sanitizer, or just washing your hands with soap and water.

There are some plants that can help cleanse the air in houses or apartments. But there are rumors online that those plants can kill COVID-19. That's not true.

It can live on multiple surfaces for a short periods. So, in theory, that could include leaves and branches.

Unless the someone has been coughing or sneezing on the plants in your yard, they're probably safe to touch. But if you go to a nursery this weekend and buy a plant, you should wash or sanitize your hands after touching it.

The n95 masks are the best. But those are generally only necessary for medical professionals or other people who frequently interact with coronavirus patients. There are other types you can buy or make. The important thing to look for is face mask fabric that is thick.

The typical coronavirus test determines whether the virus is present in your body. Nurses use a long swab to touch the back of your nose where it meets the throat.

The antibody test is a blood test that detects whether your immune system has ever developed proteins (antibodies) to fight off the virus. This could tell you whether you’ve been exposed to the virus at any given time, but may not mean the virus is present.

It’s unclear how many there are in our area, but the Blood Connection is offering free tests for everyone who donates blood. You can also contact your primary care doctor to see if an antibody test is available.

Not necessarily. But the antibody tests are good for several other things. If you test positive, you may need to take the regular infection test. Your results could also give researchers a better idea of how many Americans have been infected, and insight into how we all might fight off the virus.

There are documented cases of children contracting the disease in American and elsewhere in the world.

There are far fewer deaths among young people and children than there are for adults. And when children do become infected, they tend to have milder symptoms. Scientists aren’t exactly sure why.

By the end of April, the CDC reported deaths of 8 people under the age of 14. And in May, New York officials reported there’s a mysterious illness that’s killed several children too. Doctors believe it could be linked to coronavirus, but they’re not sure.

The CDC says there’s no evidence that the virus has spread through water in pools, hot tubs or other aquatic play areas.

The recommendations for social distancing don’t magically go away when you’re in the water. So if you’re getting in a pool with someone you don’t already live with, try to keep your distance.

Masks are important. But the CDC says you shouldn't wear masks in the water because when they’re wet, it’s more difficult to breathe.

In fact, according to the World Health Organization, drinking too much can lower your immune system, leaving your body more susceptible to illness.

Experts believe the answer is yes. There’s not definitive proof. But Consumer Reports says that cooking your food at normal temperatures is likely to kill coronavirus and other germs.

That’s probably not necessary. The CDC says there’s a very low risk of getting coronavirus from food. The FDA has said it doesn’t expect that foods would need to be recalled or withdrawn from the market because of coronavirus concerns.

This is a rumor circulating online, but there's no evidence that Dr. Fauci ever said this. He once said it’s possible Americans could someday carry certificates of immunity. But even that wasn't his idea. He merely responded to a question about someone else's idea.

A preliminary study said certain strains of cannabis extract might be able to be used as treatment. But the study has NOT been peer reviewed or even tested on humans. It was done on artificial tissue.

There are lots of conspiracy theories about Bill Gates and his help with the pandemic. His foundation has actually pledged millions of dollars to help develop a vaccine. There’s no evidence that he stands to profit from it.

Experts at Johns Hopkins believe 70% of the population would need to be immune to the virus. Without a vaccine, that means more than 200 million Americans would have to be exposed. Experts say that’s unlikely to happen for at least a year.

These devices typically go on your finger and use light to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood. If you’re an average healthy person, Consumer Reports says you don't need it. If you’re someone who has the virus, it could help. But there are also other ways of measuring your vitals.

Antibacterial soaps target bacteria, and COVID-19 is a virus. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says antibacterial soaps offer no more protection than other standard soaps.

The CDC says there’s no difference between using hot and cold water. In fact, they say warmer water may cause more skin irritation and is more environmentally costly.

The theory behind this false claim it is that your immune system benefits from being exposed to some bacteria, which face masks allegedly block you from. But this theory wrongly assumes that masks block all bacteria. Experts told USA Today, which fact-checked the claim, that there’s no evidence a mask will weaken your immune system.

You may have seen this a CDC chart showing which types of facial hair interfere with masks. But the CDC was talking about respirators that are supposed to suction to your face. The CDC wasn't referring to the type of masks we are encouraged to wear in public.

The CDC says masks are preferable, because they have fewer holes. But if you don’t have a mask, the CDC says wearing a bandana or scarf around your mouth and nose is better than nothing at all.

First, you should talk with your doctor. But you should also know that the CDC says there’s no evidence any prescription will make your infection worse. You may have seen some studies about blood pressure medications. But at this point, nothing has been proven.

None of them will cure the virus. The Mayo Clinic says some doctors are recommending Tylenol to help with aches and pains, and cough medicine for coughs. Those may help with your symptoms.

You probably shouldn’t. The CDC says you should avoid physical contact with family members and pets while sick. That doesn’t mean you can’t talk to them from a distance. And with pets, if possible, try to keep them in another room or have someone else take care of them for you.

This is an experimental treatment where doctors take donated plasma from someone who recovered from the virus and inject it into someone who’s sick. This therapy meant for people with severe symptoms. The hope is that antibodies will help them fight the virus. But the practice is still being studied and there’s no guarantee it will work.

Researchers don’t believe so. With any plasma donation there are risks such as an allergic reaction or transmission of infections. But researchers say the risks are very low because donated blood must be examined and meet the FDA’s safety standards.

If you’ve recovered, there are health organizations that would be interested in your plasma and it could maybe help somebody. The Red Cross is inviting recovered patients to go to their website and fill out a form to see if they’re eligible.

The virus is spread through respiratory droplets. So health experts worry groups of people gathered and breathing heavily around each other could lead to faster spread.

You may not see many stories about of outbreaks in the U.S., mostly because many states closed gyms shortly after the first cases were reported. In South Korea, the CDC determined that 12 dance classes led to more than 100 coronavirus cases.

North Carolina is not the only state where gyms remain closed. Michigan, New Jersey and Virginia also kept gyms closed into the month of June. Gym owners have sued the governor in every state. And in Ohio, a judge recently ruled in favor of businesses.

Multiple reports — from the BBC and the New York Times to the U.S. government — found that China downplayed the severity of the virus.

Yes, experts believe that China sometimes suppresses information. And experts do worry about that. Still, it's believed that cases in China are dropping. And on Memorial Day weekend, China reported no new cases for the first time since January.

In public spaces, distancing is not a substitute for wearing a face mask -- and there are several reasons. For one, in places like a grocery store, you may not always be able to keep 6 feet between you and someone else. Secondly, masks don't block 100 percent of particles.

The N-95 masks used by medical professionals are considered the best because tests show they can block 95 percent of particles. If you don’t have one of those, cloth masks can also help prevent spread, though not to the same degree.

Several states -- including New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Virginia -- all ordered people to wear masks in certain public spaces. The specific rules vary a little by each state.

Even if there are no government requirements, a business can require its customers to wear a mask. North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein confirmed this to WRAL on June 15. Of course, exceptions apply to young children and people with disabilities. But generally, businesses are allowed to set dress codes so long as they don’t discriminate.

County and city governments can establish their own rules. But the governor has not actually made it a requirement for restaurant employees to wear masks.

Restaurants are not required to test employees for the virus. But, they are required to screen workers. This means they're required to ask them if they’ve been around someone who’s sick, or if they’ve been experiencing symptoms associated with the virus.

The state government monitors cases at places like nursing homes and other facilities. But restaurants are not actually required to report if one of their employees contracts the virus. The state does, however, encourage restaurants to contact their local health department if they need help with an outbreak.

Hypercapnia is a medical condition caused by too much carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, and there are rumors on social media that wearing a mask can cause this to happen. But medical experts told the Associated Press and other outlets that there’s no evidence to support that theory. Keep in mind: doctors and nurses have been wearing masks for a long time now.

This is another conspiracy theory on social media. Some people think that if they cite the Americans for Disabilities Act or other law, then they don’t have to follow mask rules. North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein told us that’s not true. If you walk into a business that requires customers to have face masks, and you don’t have a mask, an employee is allowed to ask why.

This one is tricky because businesses are not allowed to discriminate. However, Stein's office told us that, if someone has a genuine disability that prevents them from wearing a mask, businesses are allowed to help you in other ways besides letting you into the store.

North Carolina’s health department talks about this on their website. If you wear a mask, it reduces your risk of infection. But it does not guarantee it. So if you were around someone who might have been infected, you should get tested.

That’s not how contact tracing works. The tracers don’t operate like those solicitors who call to sell you something. Tracers get their information from people who are infected with coronavirus.

If a tracer calls you, you’re not required to talk to them or give them any information, but you should. Your information is kept confidential and could help stop the spread of this deadly virus.

Just because you already tested negative once does not mean you can't take another test.

Symptoms can take several days to develop. If you know you were around someone who has the virus, you can get tested.

A tracer may call you -- and the key word here is "may." But the contact tracing system only works if people participate. It's possible someone you know tested positive, but didn't speak with a tracer. So you shouldn't wait to be contacted by a tracer before you get tested.

The mask mandate is enforceable on businesses, not individuals. Businesses can face consequences if they operate without requiring employees or customers to wear a mask. But you will not get a ticket if, for example, you go for a walk and don't wear a mask.

You're not likely to be approached by law enforcement on an individual level. You will, however, be required to comply with rules set by businesses.

The CDC says yes. Some people have tested positive even after recovering. So it's best to continue wearing a mask.

North Carolina’s health department tells us that, physically speaking, there’s no one race or ethnicity that’s more susceptible than others. There are economic and social factors that could play a role in the spread. But that does not mean that one group is inherently better (or worse)at fighting off the virus.

In North Carolina, people 65 and older account for 80 percent of the coronavirus deaths. The rest were people aged 25 to 64. You can see these numbers on the health department’s online dashboard.

Some people have only suffered mild symptoms and were able to make a full recovery. Still it might take longer than you think. North Carolina’s health department says the median recovery time is 28 days.

While some people recover and are generally OK, others have suffered severe side effects. A 41-year-old Broadway actor, who had NO preexisting conditions, went into a coma and suffered a leg amputation. Other patients have suffered minor strokes, and some have permanent lung damage.

If you become infected and start to feel better, with to your doctor before you stop quarantine. Apart from that, the CDC does not require patients to take a new test before leaving isolation. They do say you should quarantine for at least three days after your symptoms are gone.

The CDC recommends that people wear masks in public -- and that recommendation does not change depending on your age or overall health. Remember: masks protect other people from your germs. So even if you are healthy, you could carry germs that really hurt someone else.

This can be confusing, because the CDC says one thing, and then states and cities across the country might say another. For instance, the CDC says children as young as 3 should wear a mask. But North Carolina’s mask mandate only requires masks for children who are 11 and older.

The CDC is not sure whether pregnant women are at more risk for death. But the CDC does say pregnant women are more likely to be hospitalized and put on a ventilator.

You should do what you can to limit contact with other people. But if you have a doctor’s appointment, the CDC says you shouldn't skip it.

You’ve probably heard that there are fewer serious cases of the virus among children. And that’s true. But that does not mean infants and children are immune. The CDC says there have been reports of newborns with severe cases.

Experts believe anyone who has the virus can spread it, even if they don't have symptoms. However, experts do not believe children are major spreaders.

While most children who contracted the virus had mild cases, some have suffered severe complications from multisystem inflammatory syndrome. This sometimes causes different organs to fail.

You may have seen a study or two about UV rays affecting the coronavirus. Intense UV rays can delude the virus, but that typically takes a long time. If you’re standing in the sun with someone who has the virus, you cab still become infected. It’s all about how close you are to someone who’s is sick.

There is no weather -- hot or cold, cloudy or sunny -- to prevent you from the virus. Just look at Florida, Texas and Arizona. These states are very hot and still recorded record high numbers this summer.

It can be hard to breathe through a wet mask. That’s why experts say you shouldn't wear them while in the pool or while exercising. If yours becomes wet while you do other things, such as running errands, you might want to bring a backup.

Some people who have COVID-19 are asymptomatic. That’s part of the reason people are so interested in antibody testing. It can tell us how many people might have been exposed to the virus but didn’t know it.

First, the antibody tests aren't 100% accurate. The CDC says other times of viruses can sometimes result in false positives. Secondly, even if you have been exposed, experts are not sure yet whether that means you’re immune. The research is ongoing.

There’s still some uncertainty with the antibody tests. So the CDC says it’s best that you wear a mask, even if your antibody test is positive.

When the pandemic first hit, the CDC said masks were only necessary for sick people. But that changed pretty quickly. Since April, the CDC has recommended that everyone wear a mask in public spaces.

This was a conspiracy theory back in May. But fact checkers found that it’s not true. The CDC tracks deaths in two ways: one counts actual death certificates. The other looks at cases that have been confirmed other ways, or are likely to be confirmed. People have gotten these numbers confused.

It’s important to note that the CDC has not changed the list, necessarily. We’re not aware of any symptoms being removed it. But the agency has added new symptoms over time as it learns more about the virus. Last month, they added congestion, nausea and upset stomach to the list.

The CDC has a webpage devoted to this very topic. Both illnesses can cause fever, cough, sore throat and other respiratory symptoms. However, COVID-19 can cause extra symptoms too, such as loss of taste or smell.

The CDC says people with COVID-19 d are contagious for a longer period of time -- both before and after showing symptoms.

Obviously, the flu has killed more people throughout history, and scientists are still working to establish a firm mortality rate for COVID-19. But they do believe it is much more dangerous than most strains of the flu.

The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes the need for learning in a school setting. Aside from education, there are also social and emotional benefits. However, experts say schools do need to incorporate new sanitation and social distancing measures.

If you test positive, the CDC says you should quarantine yourself and begin treatment, if you have symptoms. The CDC says there’s only a "very small" chance of false positives.

It is possible for you to have the virus, but the test doesn’t detect it. Harvard experts say this could happen if you get tested too quickly after being around someone who was sick. For example, if you get tested the same day you were exposed to someone, the virus probably didn't have enough time to develop in your system.

Children are about 22 percent of the U.S. population, but account for only 5 percent of confirmed COVID-19 cases. That number comes from the CDC.

In North Carolina, students can choose to take classes online if they’re not comfortable going back to a school building Governor Cooper said districts must provide online options.

Cooper’s plan singles out teachers who have health issues or are in the high-risk category for coronavirus. School districts must plan work reassignment requests.

So let’s say you’re a student, a parent or a teacher and you are going to school. Administrators are required to take your temperature or screen you for symptoms. These include fevers, cough and other respiratory issues.

No matter what happens after you come into contact with someone who’s infected, you should quarantine for 14 days. Even if your test says negative, it’s best to play it safe and avoid other people.

You may wonder how the case numbers got so high. Could someone lie about having COVID-19? No. North Carolina only counts lab-confirmed cases on its website.

The health department has two sources of information for COVID deaths. One is from tests confirmed by those labs. The other is death certificates. Those are filled out by doctors and indicate what they think caused the patient’s death.

Those pre-trials have shown positive results so far. And Dr. Fauci has told people that one of the vaccine makers might have their shots available by early 2021. But that is not a guarantee.

Watch out for offers for vaccines or home test kits. If someone tries to sell you a cure or a pre-order: it’s a scam. Police across the country are warning people about these bogus offers.

There's no evidence of this. To test for COVID-19, medical professionals often use nasal swabs instead of mouth swabs because they're considered more accurate.

This rumor spread on Facebook. The person who created the rumor said there aren't enough people dying for the outbreak to be considered a pandemic. But the CDC told PolitiFact that the post is wrong. Deaths are not the only factor when considering whether an outbreak is an epidemic.

There are several variations of this claim on social media. Multiple fact-checking groups found no link between the flu vaccine and positive coronavirus tests.

CNN has been tracking this. As of July 21, Americans are blocked from many countries around the world. That includes most countries in Europe, Asia, South America, and even Canada.

Several states known for attracting tourists have put new rules in place. In Hawaii, tourists must isolate for 14 days. People who don’t could face up to a year in prison. The New York Times has a comprehensive list of these restrictions on its website.

Because of our state’s case count, several states currently require North Carolinians to quarantine for two weeks. Those states include Illinois, New York and Pennsylvania just to name a few.

As we said, some will only have mild symptoms. If your symptoms worsen, tell your doctor or the state’s community team member.

The CDC says you should stay home and quarantine for 10 days. Start counting the days after your test, not when you got your results.

However some aspects might be closed. For instance, beaches at some local lakes are closed. But the trails are open. If you’re headed to a nearby trail, check your local government’s website. If you’re going to a different park, you may want to check visitnc.com.

Some aren’t and some are. And the campsites might operate a little differently than the last time you went. If you want to stay at a certain overnight camp, call ahead.

However, in some cases there are far fewer rides available. In fact, ferries to Currituck are suspended altogether. For the latest schedules, check the department of transportation’s website.

North Carolina is one of several states that has "no excuse" absentee voting. That means any registered voter can request an absentee ballot and vote by mail. You don't need an excuse. You can request a ballot at the North Carolina State Board of Elections website: ncsbe.gov.

The N.C. elections board is requiring all poll workers to wear a mask and plans to increase the number of early voting sites.

The Washington Post reported that the FDA issued warnings for more than 70 different types of hand sanitizer. The FDA has a list of them on its website.

A spokesperson with the NC Attorney General's office says the AG isn't aware of any local products that have been recalled.

The CDC says it is possible for droplets containing the virus … from a cough or sneeze … to land on your eyes and infect you. Experts say this is not as likely as inhaling the virus through your nose or mouth. That means if someone is infected, their tears can spread the virus.

As of Aug. 12, hair loss isn’t listed as an official symptom on the CDC website. However, a study out of the University of Indiana found that more than 400 patients have experienced hair loss. Doctors believe the condition might be temporary. It could be related to the virus itself, or stress that's caused by the virus.

The Environmental Protection Agency says there is growing evidence that this virus can remain airborne for longer times than originally thought. The EPA says you can open a window to improve air flow in your house. If you have a central air system, you might consider changing out your air filter more regularly. These things can’t stop the virus, but they can improve the air flow.

It’s possible you’ve never even heard of these things, and yet, the EPA has issued a warning about them. The agency says they don't prevent the virus and should not be used in occupied spaces.

If you’re having these feelings, you’re not alone. The CDC says they’re common -- especially during a pandemic. And UNICEF, the international children’s agency, says they're seeing higher rates of suicidal thoughts among adolescents. For more information, on handling stress, go to the CDC's website. If you're feeling despair, you can call the national suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK.

FEMA says you shouldn't trust anyone who offers financial helps, and then asks for money or personal information. So don't give out your Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security information either.

There's no cure, vaccine or home treatment that's been proven to fight COVID-19.

A recent study said young smokers in particular are more likely to catch the virus. In fact, people who vape or use e-cigarettes had higher infection rates than people who smoke standard cigarettes.

The virus mostly affects the lungs. And if you smoke, your lungs likely aren’t as strong as someone who doesn't smoke.

They can quit smoking. But if you’re a smoker and you don’t want to quit smoking outright, you can switch to a lozenge. The risks to your lungs are from inhaled aerosols, not nicotine in your blood. If you plan on continuing to smoke, remember to social distance. Don’t share a smoking device with a friend or get close enough to share each other’s germs.

That’s what researchers at Duke University found when they studied 14 different types of face coverings. Researchers found that n95 masks did the best job of stopping spray from coughs and sneezes from getting into the air. Researchers say surgical masks and cloth masks do a good job too. They don’t seal as well as the n95 masks, but they’re still very helpful.

Duke researchers say bandanas do very little to help. Neck fleeces -- the kind that stretch from your neck to your face -- might actually increase the amount of droplets in the air. Researchers believe the holes in neck fleeces split droplets, creating more spray.

The CNN story highlighted research that says the odds of infection decrease if the middle seat is left open. As of Aug. 31, Delta, JetBlue and SouthWest airlines all have policies requiring the seat to be left open. Some other airlines don't. The same study found that passengers are slightly less likely to catch the virus if seated in the window seat.