If you have social media, chances are you’ve been reading conflicting information about the coronavirus. You may have even heard false "facts" about the virus on TV or radio stations. As the virus continues to spread, it’s important to be able to separate fact from fiction. Today’s coronavirus myth? Young people are "immune" to the virus and not at risk of contracting it or getting seriously sick.
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The country has watched as thousands of spring breakers flock to Florida beaches, drinking, partying and hanging out in large crowds, while gladly telling news crew cameras that they aren’t concerned about the coronavirus. They’re more concerned, it seems, that the threat of the virus may ruin their spring break plans, which were months in the making. Several college kids made it clear in TV interviews that they weren’t worried about the coronavirus because of their age; after all, the coronavirus is only affecting older adults.
This is false.
The widely held belief that only senior citizens are contracting the coronavirus is a myth. It’s true that the most severe cases, and the highest death rates, are among the elderly. However, according to an analysis conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to one-fifth of those infected in the United States ages 20-44 have been hospitalized, and in up to 4% of those cases, patients required treatment in an intensive care unit.
The higher case rate among older patients suggests an underlying vulnerability, most likely exacerbated by preexisting health conditions. However, from infants to school-aged children, college kids and older adults, every age group is susceptible to the coronavirus.
It’s also important to remember: If you are a young person who becomes infected, you may weather the storm with only mild symptoms. However, you can pass the virus on to someone else, younger or older, who may not fare as well as you.