With so many coronavirus related health articles, myths, and gossips, we all need to be conscious of what is true and what’s not.
Myth 1: Hydroxychloroquine drugs licensed for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19.
Ans 1. While several drug trials are ongoing but there is no proof that hydroxychloroquine or any other drug can cure or prevent COVID-19 till now. The misuse of hydroxychloroquine can cause serious side effects and illness and even lead to death.
Fact 1: There are currently no drug licensed for the treatment or prevention of covid-19.
Myth 2: Sun exposure or temperatures higher than 25C degrees can prevent from Coronavirus disease.
Ans 2. The disease can grab you, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. Countries with hot weather have also supposed cases of COVID-19. So, it is better to protect yourself by cleaning your hands frequently and perfectly and avoid touching your face.
Fact 2: Exposing yourself to the sun or temperatures higher than 25C degrees DOES NOT prevent nor cure the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Myth 3: Drink alcohol, ethanol, methanol, or any type of bleach increases the immune system of the body and protects you from Covid-19.
Ans 3. Frequent or excessive alcohol consumption can increase your risk of health problems and even lead to death.
Fact 3: Drinking alcohol does not protect you against COVID-19 and can be dangerous.
Myth 4: The new 5G mobile network is spreading Coronavirus disease.
Ans 4. Any type of virus cannot carry on mobile networks. Covid-19 is also spreading in those countries that don’t have 5G mobile networks.
This disease is spreading through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. So, anyone can also be infected by touching a contaminated surface and then their eyes, mouth, or nose.
Fact 4: 5G mobile networks DO NOT spread COVID-19.
Myth 5: If I can catch Coronavirus disease, I am surely going to die.
Ans 5. The people who grabbed COVID-19 can recover and get rid of the virus from their bodies. If people can treat the symptoms (like fever, cough, difficulty in breathing) of the disease and takes medical/health care early, then there are maximum chances of being recovered. Most of the patients recovered by supportive care.
Fact 5: You can recover from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Catching the Novel coronavirus DOES NOT mean you will have it for life.
Myth 6: The novel coronavirus can’t catch you in the hot and humid weather.
Ans 6. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by keeping a physical distance of at least 6 feet from others and continuously cleaning your hands. By doing this you can remove viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your face.
Fact 6: COVID-19 virus is also transmitting in areas with hot and humid climates.
Myth 7: Living in extra cold weather or with snow areas can help to prevent from being infected by the coronavirus.
Ans 7. It’s not true that cold weather can kill the new coronavirus disease. The normal human body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, nonetheless of the external temperature or weather. The most powerful way to protect yourself against the new coronavirus is by frequently cleaning your hands with alcohol-based handwash or with soap.
Fact 7: Cold climate and snow CANNOT kill the new coronavirus.
Myth 8: Thermal Scanners are effective in detecting the infected person form COVID-19.
Ans 8. Thermal scanners are essential in detecting people who have a fever (higher than normal body temperature).
There are many reasons for fever. So, call your healthcare provider when you need immediate medical care.
Fact 8: Thermal scanners CANNOT detect Novel coronavirus disease.
Myth 9: Do vaccines against pneumonia protect you against the new coronavirus disease?
Ans 9. No, vaccines against pneumonia, such as the Pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus.
Researchers are trying to develop a new vaccine against 2019-nCoV. Although vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect your health.
Fact 9: There are still no vaccine being effective to control and cure COVID-19.
Myth 10: Does the new coronavirus affect only older people?
Ans 10: People of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) disease. But older people, and people with initial medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) seem to be more unsafe with the virus.
It will be advisable for people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus by following good respiratory hygiene.
Fact 10: Not only older people but also youngsters are also susceptible with the COVID-19.
Myth 11: Can eating garlic or adding pepper in your food help prevent infection with the new coronavirus?
Ans 11: Garlic and peeper is a healthy food that may have some antibacterial properties. Although, there is no proof from the current outbreak that eating garlic or pepper has protected people from the new coronavirus.
Fact 11: Using garlic or pepper in your food CANNOT protect you from COVID-19.
Myth 12: Can I catch Coronavirus by using manufactured products from China?
Ans 12: Nevertheless, the new coronavirus can exist on things for a few hours or up to several days, it’s very improbable that the virus will continue on the things after being traveled, and exposed to different conditions and temperatures. But if you think a surface could be contaminated, use a disinfectant to clean it.
Fact 12: There is currently no affirmation that you can catch coronavirus from products manufactured in China or elsewhere.
Make sure you get the facts logically and correctly.
Coronavirus is outspreading but we can play a essential role to slow down infections and protect ourselves and others. Don’t trust on rumours or gossips, go to a trusted source such as:
- The World Health Organization – WHO
- Local Health organizations- Ministry of Health Department
And follow the key recommendations:
Rinse your hands frequently with soap or alchohal-based handrub.
Use a tissue for cold or coughs.
Avoid touching your face.
