The novel coronavirus, also known as SARS-CoV-2, has affected millions of people worldwide. Having started its journey from Wuhan, China, this global pandemic has so far reached 6 continents and has taken the lives of over 200 thousand people.
Apparently, this rapid spread of the virus has been accompanied by an equally rapid spread of myths. And with no cure in sight, the factory of misinformation is taking rounds all over the internet.
Even the smartest of individuals are falling victim to some of these false claims. Desperate times have come and it can be hard to actually separate fact from fiction.
It is very important to refrain from placing your belief in any miraculous cures or conspiracy theories about Covid-19. If you are panicking about the spread of coronavirus, here is help your way.
Myth: Temperature, humidity could affect transmission rate of Covid-19
Truth: This is a myth. The World Health Organization (WHO) has observed that this infection can be transmitted in any and all areas regardless of climate.
Myth: Drinking alcohol can cure Covid-19
Truth: There is no evidence whatsoever to prove this claim. The WHO released a statement that, although alcohol can disinfect skin, it does not work the same way inside the body.
Myth: Flu and pneumonia vaccines protect against COVID-19
Truth: As SARS-CoV-2 is different than other viruses, no existing vaccines protect against infection.
Myth: Garlic helps prevent the infection with Covid-19
Truth: This is a myth. Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from the new coronavirus.
Myth: Mosquito bites can transfer the virus
Truth: This is a myth. No study or research has shown that mosquitoes can act as carriers of coronavirus.
Myth: Coronavirus is the deadliest virus known to man
Truth: Although SARS-CoV-2 does appear to be more serious than influenza, it is not the deadliest virus that people have faced. Others, such as Ebola, have higher mortality rates.
Myth: Hand dryers, ultraviolet disinfection lamps can kill the virus
Truth: These are myths. Neither a hand dryer nor an ultraviolet disinfection lamp can kill the virus. According to WHO, one should regularly wash one's hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
Myth: Thermal scanners can detect novel coronavirus
Truth: This is not entirely false. A thermal scanner detects body temperature and is great for identifying someone with a high fever, however, medical experts and doctors treating Covid-19 patients have come across with patients having no symptoms of the disease.
Myth: Everyone with COVID-19 dies
Truth: This statement is untrue. COVID-19 is only fatal for a small percentage of people. The WHO reported that around 80% of people experience a relatively mild form of the disease, which will not require specialist treatment in a hospital.
Myth: Novel coronavirus affects only elderly, not young people.
Truth: This is untrue. The transmission of novel coronavirus has been seen in people of all ages. Doctors suggest that people with co-morbid conditions such as blood pressure, heart or respiratory diseases are at a higher risk if they get infected with Covid-19. However, a perfectly healthy person can also be infected in the presence of a Covid-19 patient.
Myth: Children cannot catch COVID-19
Truth: All age groups can become infected. Most cases, so far, have been in adults, but children are not immune. Preliminary evidence shows that children are just as likely to become infected, but their symptoms tend to be less severe.
Myth: Visit a hospital if you are experiencing cough, high fever
Truth: Doctors suggest that one should not visit a hospital during a pandemic since it increases the chances of a healthy person catching the virus. One should consult a doctor over the phone if he/she is experiencing any symptoms at all and seek future course of action.
Myth: Taking a hot bath can prevent infection
Truth: This is a myth. The normal body temperature remains stable between 36.5°C to 37°C despite the temperature of one's bath, says the WHO.
Myth: Wearing a mask can prevent transmission of Covid-19
Truth: It is advised to wear masks (mostly homemade) when they step out of their home. There is no scientific evidence that masks, especially those made at home, protect the wearer from the novel coronavirus.
However, there is evidence that masks can prevent an asymptomatic patient of Covid-19 from unwittingly spreading the virus. Surgical masks and N95 respirators provide greater protection, but these are reserved for healthcare workers only.
Myth: You have to be with someone for 10 minutes to catch the virus
Truth: The longer someone is with an infected person, the more likely they are to catch the virus, but it is still possible to catch it in less than 10 minutes.
Myth: Antibiotics kill coronavirus
Truth: Antibiotics only kill bacteria; they do not kill viruses.
Myth: Holding breath for 10 seconds acts as test for Covid-19
Truth: This is a myth. Dr Faheem Younus, the Chief of Infectious Diseases at the University of Maryland says that a person infected with the novel coronavirus can also hold his/her breath for longer than 10 seconds.
On the other hand, the elderly will not be able to accomplish this task but it does not in any way mean that they are infected.
Myth: Parcels from China can spread Covid-19
Truth: This is untrue. While some preliminary research has shown that the novel coronavirus remains on certain surfaces such as cardboard for some time, it cannot spread through parcels received from China.
Myth: Rinsing the nose with saline protects against coronavirus
Truth: There is no evidence that a saline nose rinse protects against respiratory infections. Some research suggest that this technique might reduce the symptoms of acute upper respiratory tract infections, but scientists have not found that it can reduce the risk of infection.
Myth: Home remedies can cure and protect against COVID-19
Truth: No home remedies can protect against COVID-19, including vitamin C, essential oils, silver colloid, sesame oil, garlic, fish tank cleaner, burning sage, and sipping water every 15 minutes.
The best approach is to adopt a good hand wash regimen and to avoid places where there may be unwell people.
Myth: 5G mobile networks spread COVID-19
Truth: Viruses cannot travel on radio waves/mobile networks. COVID-19 is spreading in many countries that do not have 5G mobile networks.
COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. People can also be infected by touching a contaminated surface and then their eyes, mouth or nose.
Myth: You cannot recover from Covid-19. The virus remains in your body.
Truth: You can recover from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Catching this virus does not mean you will have it for life. Most of the people who catch COVID-19 can recover and eliminate the virus from their bodies.
What Should You Do?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends these simple measures to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2:
- Avoid close contact with people who seem sick
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth
- Stay at home if you are sick
- Sneeze into a tissue, then throw it in the trash
- Use standard cleaning sprays and wipes to disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
- Wash your hands with soap regularly for 20 seconds
- Wear a cloth face-covering in stores, pharmacies, and other public settings
The tips might seem simplistic, but during an epidemic, these are the best ways to make a difference.