How Do I Lower My Cholesterol Level?
May 6, 2026
How Do I Lower My Cholesterol Level? If you are wondering how to lower your cholesterol level, you aren’t alone. In the UK, approximately 60% of adults have a total cholesterol level above 5.0 m...
As we navigate 2026, COVID-19 has transitioned from a global emergency to a manageable respiratory virus. However, misinformation continues to circulate, often clouding public understanding of current risks and treatments. This article breaks down 10 essential facts to help you separate scientific reality from persistent myths.
A common misconception is that “Long COVID” is just a term for lingering tiredness. In reality, it is a complex condition affecting physical, cognitive, and mental health (World Health Organization [WHO], 2026). In 2026, research continues to highlight that inflammation is a primary driver behind symptoms such as pain, brain fog, and chronic fatigue (“RECOVER Research Update: March 2026,” 2026).
There is a persistent myth that only the elderly or those with pre-existing conditions suffer long-term effects. Scientific evidence confirms that Long COVID can affect anyone exposed to the virus, regardless of their prior fitness level or the severity of their initial infection (“Myth-busters- debunking long COVID myths and misconceptions,” 2026).
While the virus continues to evolve into new lineages—such as BA.3.2 and XFG—vaccines remain a critical line of defense (“Types of data requested to inform May 2026 COVID-19 vaccine antigen composition deliberations,” 2026). Updated 2025–2026 formulations are specifically designed to target these newer circulating strains to prevent severe illness and hospitalization (“2025–2026 COVID-19 Vaccine for People With Cancer & Others With Weakened Immune Systems,” 2025).
A frequent myth suggests that COVID-19 vaccines are responsible for Long COVID symptoms. Research shows the opposite: adolescents who were vaccinated before their first infection were approximately one-third less likely to develop Long COVID (“RECOVER Research Update: March 2026,” 2026). Vaccines are a preventative tool, not a cause of the condition.
While SARS-CoV-2 activity has stabilised, it remains distinct from influenza. COVID-19 carries unique long-term risks, including a significantly increased risk of loss of smell (four-fold) and taste, as well as impaired memory and concentration (“Top Long COVID symptoms revealed in global study,” 2025).
Rumors often exaggerate the risks of heart problems or strokes from vaccines. While rare cases of myocarditis have occurred, health agencies emphasize that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks, as the virus itself is also a known cause of heart inflammation (“Debunking COVID-19 myths,” 2025).
A lasting myth is that hot or cold weather can “kill” the virus. Scientific data remains clear: SARS-CoV-2 spreads through respiratory droplets regardless of the temperature, and infections occur globally in both summer and winter (“Debunking COVID-19 myths,” 2025).
The emergence of variants like BA.3.2 often causes alarm, but as of early 2026, there is no evidence suggesting these strains lead to more severe disease or higher mortality than previous versions (“Types of data requested to inform May 2026 COVID-19 vaccine antigen composition deliberations,” 2026).
Many believe that a past infection provides permanent “natural immunity.” However, experts note that immunity from infection begins to wane after three to six months, making vaccination a more reliable way to maintain protection (“Myths vs. Facts: Making Sense of COVID-19 Vaccine Misinformation,” 2021).
Despite being thoroughly debunked, the myth that 5G networks spread COVID-19 occasionally resurfaces. Viruses can only travel through living beings or contaminated surfaces; they cannot travel on radio waves or mobile networks (“Debunking COVID-19 myths,” 2025).
2025–2026 COVID-19 Vaccine for People With Cancer & Others With Weakened Immune Systems. (2025, October 1). Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. https://www.mskcc.org/coronavirus/for-people-with-cancer
Debunking COVID-19 myths. (2025, October 23). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-myths/art-20485720
Myth-busters- debunking long COVID myths and misconceptions. (2026, January 30). World Health Organization (WHO). https://www.who.int/europe/event/myth-busters–debunking-long-covid-myths-and-misconceptions
Myths vs. Facts: Making Sense of COVID-19 Vaccine Misinformation. (2021). Boston University. https://www.bu.edu/articles/2021/myths-vs-facts-covid-19-vaccine/
RECOVER Research Update: March 2026. (2026, March 4). RECOVER COVID. https://recovercovid.org/news/recover-research-update-march-2026
Top Long COVID symptoms revealed in global study. (2025, May). University of Leicester. https://le.ac.uk/news/2025/may/long-covid-symptoms-revealed-global-study
Types of data requested to inform May 2026 COVID-19 vaccine antigen composition deliberations. (2026, March 30). World Health Organization (WHO). https://www.who.int/news/item/30-03-2026-types-of-data-requested-to-inform-may-2026-covid-19-vaccine-antigen-composition-deliberations
Did this help clarify some of the most persistent COVID-19 myths for you?
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