The pandemic seems to be dragging on and on (and on), but in terms of medical discovery, COVID-19 research is still in its infancy. Fortunately, we're learning more and more each day. In this article, Blue Cross&reg; Blue Shield&reg; of Arizona Medical Director Dr. Darren Wethers clears up some of the latest misconceptions and myths about the coronavirus.
True or false: Once you get COVID-19, you're immune from catching it again. 

Answer:&nbsp;The answer is a resounding "maybe," according to health experts. People who have recovered from COVID-19 usually have antibodies against the virus. That may offer them some protection from getting infected again. But scientists aren't sure how strong that protection is or how long it lasts.
There have also been a handful of cases where a person has had a second infection after recovering from the first. In some of them, the second infection proved worse than the first.
It's definitely best to continue adhering to safety guidelines, including:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
 <li>Wearing a face mask</li>
 <li>Staying 6 feet away from others in public</li>
 <li>Washing your hands often and using hand sanitizer when handwashing is not possible</li>
 <li>Not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands</li>
</ul>
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True or false: Coronavirus is treatable, so we don't need to be as cautious. 

Answer:&nbsp;False. Yes, we have made excellent strides in how we care for and treat patients with COVID-19, but the fact is,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1109281/covid-19-daily-deaths-compared-to-all-causes/" target="_blank">thousands of people are still dying from it every week</a>. Because the coronavirus affects some people worse than others and we still have little idea as to why, we all must be vigilant.&nbsp;
Deaths from COVID-19 are preventable, and everyone is responsible for taking precautions to protect one another. Plus, we have little to no information about the long-term effects of this virus. Even if it's survivable, it may continue to be a detriment for years to come. 
 
 

True or false: Isolation and quarantine are the same thing. 

Answer:&nbsp;While these terms are often used interchangeably, they do have different technical meanings. The CDC defines the terms like this:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
 <li>Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick.</li>
 <li>Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who have been exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.</li>
</ul>
If you become ill with COVID-19, you should isolate yourself. To the extent possible, that means staying in a separate bedroom and using a different bathroom from those you live with and having meals and supplies delivered to your bedroom door.
&nbsp;
True or false: If I think I&rsquo;ve been exposed to COVID-19, I should stay home and quarantine for 14 days? 

Answer: True. If you have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19, one of the best things you can do for your community and loved ones is to stay away from others and quarantine. 

The purpose of quarantining is to protect others while waiting to see if you also become sick.&nbsp; Stopping the spread during those critical days is key to containing the virus.
It can take up to 14 days for symptoms of COVID-19 to appear, according to CDC. So quarantine should last for 14 days from the last date of close contact you had with a person who has COVID-19.
Close contact means any of the following:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
 <li>You were within 6 feet of them for 15 minutes or more.</li>
 <li>You had direct contact (like hugging or kissing).</li>
 <li>You shared eating or drinking utensils.</li>
 <li>They sneezed, coughed or somehow got respiratory droplets on you.</li>
</ul>
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Let&rsquo;s start 2021 strong with the hope the vaccine brings, and by shrinking our circle, reducing the number of COVID cases, and taking pressure off of our health system and healthcare providers.
Watch <a href="https://vimeo.com/493486485/a93488bb36" target="_blank">this video</a> to learn how shrinking your circle can make a difference.

BCBSAZ Medical Director Dr. Wethers Busts COVID-19 Myths