Old textbook doesn't prove coronavirus is 'just a cold,' Lithuanian fact-checkers say

A recent social media claim in Lithuania, asserting that an old medical encyclopedia demonstrates coronavirus is merely a common cold, has been debunked by fact-checkers. The post, circulating online, attempts to downplay the severity of the novel coronavirus by referencing outdated information. However, fact-checkers clarify that the encyclopedia entry cited actually refers to the broader family of coronaviruses, not specifically the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19. This distinction is critical, as the novel coronavirus exhibits significantly different and more severe characteristics than common cold-causing viruses within the same family. The misleading post omits this vital context, creating a false narrative that minimizes the public health threat posed by COVID-19. Fact-checkers emphasize the importance of relying on current scientific understanding and accurate information when discussing the virus.