In a time when so much is still unknown about the coronavirus , we are understandably eager for information.

Unfortunately, the desire for immediate answers has led to the spread of false remedies and conspiracy theories. Additionally, because COVID-19 is so new, health experts are changing their guidance as they learn more about the virus. What was true at the beginning of the pandemic may not be recommended now.

Its critical we stick with facts and health guidance; doing so can slow the spread of the virus and keep more people safe. While most of the country is beginning to reopen, the pandemic is anything but over .

Below, find some common myths and some now-outdated recommendations about the coronavirus. (And keep washing your hands.)

The myth: Summer weather will kill off the virus

At the start of the pandemic, some experts speculated that the virus could be seasonal and may possibly go dormant in the summer.

However, it is not yet known whether weather and temperature affect the spread of COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Some other viruses, like those that cause the common cold and flu, spread more during cold weather months but that does not mean it is impossible to become sick with these viruses during other months.

The myth: Youre in the clear if youve already had COVID-19

We dont know if having the virus once provides a person with immunity against getting it again, so its important to use the same caution as everyone else.

Were still waiting for some of the studies to come out that really tell us for sure that when youve had the virus and mounted an antibody to it, that you are protected, Roger Shapiro, associate professor of immunology and infectious diseases at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said during a May news conference .

And we can only do that when we get the data from actual studies that show that, Shapiro continued. And so that hesitation people have had or the qualification people have made has been we dont know yet whether having the virus will protect us and for how long. And the general feeling is that theres a lot of optimism that it will be the case.

The myth: Face masks are useless

There was a lot of guidance surrounding the use of masks when the pandemic first hit North America particularly that it was unnecessary to wear one unless you were already sick. But now health experts say face coverings provide veritable protection . Both those infected by the virus and those who are virus-free should wear masks when in public spaces in order to keep everyone safe.

The myth: Face masks are a surefire way to prevent contracting the virus

Masks can slow the spread of the virus and more reports are showing how effective they can be for personal protection but they cant thwart it entirely.

In other words, dont expect to only wear a mask and be fine. Other health measures, like frequent hand washing, social distancing and avoiding touching your face can also help reduce the spread.

The myth: The virus is lab-made

One of the biggest conspiracies floating around the internet is that the coronavirus was created in a lab rather than evolving in the natural world. New research has debunked this myth: The virus is the result of evolution, not lab engineering. Despite internet rumors, there is no evidence to suggest that this is the case.

The myth: Packages are spreading the virus

As the CDC explains: In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures.

The risk of transmission from packages, grocery bags, deliveries and other surfaces is even relatively low , despite concerns that were raised at the beginning of the pandemic. Check out the CDC guidelines for running essential errands like grocery shopping, banking and getting gas safely.

The myth: Ingesting bleach kills virus pathogens

No, no, absolutely not, please no.

This myth was borne from comments made by President Donald Trump during a news briefing early in the pandemic. This is not true by any means; introducing bleach or other disinfectants to the body by any means whether by drinking, injecting or spraying is incredibly dangerous. Do not do this.

The myth: Children are fine or they cannot contract the virus

As the World Health Organization points out , older people and those with preexisting medical conditions appear to be at higher risk for becoming very sick from the virus. But people of all ages can be infected. That includes children.

In fact, recently there have been cases reported of multisystem inflammatory syndrome occurring in kids who also had COVID-19. Different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs, according to the CDC.

The myth: Our pets are spreading the virus

A small number of pets have reportedly tested positive for COVID-19, but the risk of animals spreading the virus to humans is considered low, according to the CDC. If someone in your house is sick with the virus, they should isolate from the rest of the household, including animals, according to guidelines.