The Outbreak Manual · Myth files
Myth files
The dangerous part is rarely the monster. It is the confident advice that sounds right — about tattoos and about emergencies.
Tattoo myth files
Tattoo myths vs. facts
Educational information only. Your artist's written instructions and a licensed healthcare professional come first.
Myth
More pain proves you are tougher.
Fact
Pain varies by person, placement, duration and many other factors. Communicate with your artist rather than treating distress as a competition.
U.S. FDA — Tattoo safety (official source, opens in a new tab)
Myth
You should change prescribed medication before a tattoo.
Fact
Never change prescribed medication without direction from the prescribing healthcare professional. Ask them first, then tell your artist what they need to know.
MedlinePlus — Taking medicines safely (official source, opens in a new tab)
Myth
Any redness means infection.
Fact
Some early irritation may occur. Worsening or spreading symptoms should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional — this guide cannot diagnose anything.
U.S. FDA — Tattoo safety (official source, opens in a new tab)
Myth
Social media is a substitute for aftercare instructions.
Fact
Follow your artist's actual written instructions, and seek healthcare guidance for medical concerns.
Myth
Alcohol makes the appointment easier.
Fact
Do not arrive intoxicated or impaired. Follow the studio's real policies and discuss any concerns with your artist beforehand.
Myth
A zombie bite and a tattoo heal the same way.
Fact
Zombie bites are fictional. A tattoo is a controlled skin procedure performed by a professional, and it heals according to your artist's aftercare instructions and your own body.
U.S. FDA — Tattoo safety (official source, opens in a new tab)
Outbreak myth files
Emergency myths vs. facts
Corrected with official guidance from FEMA, the National Weather Service, VDEM and the CDC.
Myth
Wait until the danger is visible before leaving.
Fact
If officials order an evacuation, leave promptly. Roads, bridges and tunnels degrade fast, and late departures are the ones that get stranded.
Myth
A generator is safe in a garage with the door open.
Fact
Carbon monoxide accumulates in attached and partially open spaces. Generators must run outdoors, well away from doors, windows and vents.
Myth
Driving through floodwater saves time.
Fact
Turn around, don't drown. Depth, current and whether the road is still under the water are impossible to judge from a driver's seat.
National Weather Service (official source, opens in a new tab)
Myth
Social media is always the fastest reliable source.
Fact
It is often fast and often wrong. Confirm with Wireless Emergency Alerts, NOAA Weather Radio, and official municipal and state accounts before acting or resharing.
Myth
A three-day kit solves every emergency.
Fact
Three days is a starting point. Regional storms can disrupt power, water and deliveries for longer, so build toward seven to fourteen days where you can.
Ready.gov — Build A Kit (official source, opens in a new tab)
Myth
My neighborhood didn't flood last time, so it won't flood.
Fact
Flood extent changes with storm track, tide timing and rainfall. Check your official evacuation zone and current forecasts each event.