“This is what we know. We each need to act NOW! Please join us in getting this out to the community to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.” -Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lakshmi Dhanvanthari, Health Plan of San Joaquin

Myth: Only the Old are in Danger

Fact: Think you’re young and can’t get COVID-19? Think again! 
Younger people, such as many Millennials, are at risk of getting the infection. Recent reports show adults ages 20 to 44 are likely up to 1/3 of US pandemic patients. Many had to be hospitalized and a few needed to be on a ventilator (breathing machine). We can reduce the danger by acting now!
 

Myth: Hey, If I get it, I get it

Fact: Think again, because you have a choice.
It is not too late to stop the spread of this killer coronavirus. You may not get sick, but you can carry the virus and spread it to others, and they to others, and create a chain of spread. Some of them are likely to get very sick needing to be in the hospital and a few may die. Don’t become ill and don’t be a carrier who infects other men and women of ALL ages. The right thing to do now for yourself and others: Physical distancing. Lots of handwashing. Staying home.
 

Myth: None of my friends have it and neither do I.

Fact: Think again. Coronavirus is like other viruses. It can infect you, but not make you sick.​
That’s how this super-villain used us humans to jet it around the world. We have only days left to slow it down and buy time. Time to save the lives of many including doctors and nurses. Wash your hands. STOP THE SPREAD. Stay home. Stay 6-feet away. Stay Safe.
 

Myth: Only others can save us.

Fact: Think you can’t make a difference in a global pandemic? Think again!
This started with one person. Now EACH person can do their part to save us all. Until there’s a cure, Physical Distancing is our most powerful weapon. Keep 6 feet between you and anyone NOT an immediate family member. If you absolutely must go out (for food, your meds, or cleaning products) do it quickly and then kill the coronavirus with soap. Do not touch your face – it loves getting in your nose, eyes, and throat. YOU ARE THE HERO WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR!
 

Myth: If I’m stuck at home, I’ll just be bored with nothing to do.

Fact: Wrong – There are people who need you, right now. Find new ways to connect.
Reach out to family and neighbors by phone or social media. This contact can be lifesaving for the elderly and millennials who are even more isolated than you – and very afraid. If they live by themselves, they are stressed and feeling in danger.
 

Myth: It’s just a cold, my doctor doesn’t want to hear from me.

Fact: Wrong – They just need to hear from you in the right way.
Call your doctor’s office and follow their instructions. You will help stop the spread, you will help keep everyone in the office safe – including you.
 

Myth: This is not my job. It’s up to doctors and nurses to save us.

Fact: Wrong – We all have a role to play in keeping our community healthy.
Too many are getting sick; many are dying – for us! From hospitals all over California and the US, they are pleading: We stay here for you. Please stay home for us. Do not spread this coronavirus. Stay home. Keep 6 feet from those not in your immediate family. Kill this invading virus with lots of 20 seconds of handwashing – it just HATES soap! Join our doctors and nurses. LIKE THEM, BE A PUBLIC HEALTH HERO!
 

Myth: I’m not a doctor or nurse, I can’t do anything.

Fact: Wrong - You can do A LOT!
You can stop the spread by washing your hands, A LOT! You can stay home and go out only if you must. If you go out keep at least 6 feet away from others. If you are sick you must stay home and try to quarantine yourself from others at home, and call your physician.

About Health Plan of San Joaquin

Health Plan of San Joaquin, a not-for-profit, public health plan, has been serving members and the community since 1996. Located in the heart of California’s multicultural Central Valley, local HPSJ is the leading Medi-Cal managed care provider, serving over 91% of Medi-Cal recipients in San Joaquin County and over 67% in Stanislaus County. HPSJ offers a broad network of providers and works closely with doctors to develop programs and services to ensure quality health care for almost 340,000 members who are mostly working families and children, as well as seniors and disabled residents.