National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

Which statement about COVID-19 is FALSE?

1. The virus that causes COVID-19 is in a family of viruses called Coronaviridae.

2. The COVID-19 virus can spread quicker in hot and humid climates.

3. The prolonged use of medical masks causes CO2 intoxication.

4. Most people who get COVID-19 have mild or moderate symptoms and can recover.

The correct answer is: The prolonged use of medical masks causes CO2 intoxication.

The statement regarding the prolonged use of medical masks causing CO2 intoxication is indeed the false statement. Research indicates that while wearing masks, especially medical-grade ones, is generally safe for the vast majority of people, there is no evidence to support the notion that mask usage leads to harmful levels of carbon dioxide buildup. Masks are designed to allow for the passage of oxygen and carbon dioxide, and their primary purpose is to reduce the transmission of respiratory droplets, which is essential in controlling the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19. In contrast, other statements are supported by current scientific understanding. The virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, belongs to the Coronaviridae family, which encompasses various viruses known to cause respiratory infections, including other coronaviruses responsible for diseases like SARS and MERS. Additionally, most COVID-19 cases are characterized by mild to moderate symptoms, and many individuals recover without requiring extensive medical intervention. Regarding the spread of the virus, it has been observed that transmission dynamics can vary with environmental conditions, but the notion that hot and humid climates significantly accelerate spread has not been substantiated in the same way that understanding human behavior and public health measures influence contagion does.