15 myths associated with Coronavirus treatment busted
New Delhi : The coronavirus has now spread to 190 countries across the world, claiming more than 19,500 lives and infecting more than 400,000 people. In India, more than 500 positive cases have been registered and 12 people have been reported dead.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sounded 21-day complete lockdown in the nation to contain the coronavirus spread in the nation. The authorities have asked people to follow the basic hygiene measures, social distancing and self-isolation in accordance to the health advisories from WHO.
Meanwhile, a certain section of the society has been seen spreading and also believing fake myths over the cure of the virus. Here is a list of 15 myths which have been associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Myth 1: Hot and humid climate will kill coronavirus on its own
Going by the factual analysis, the COVID-19 virus has spread in almost every region, including hot and humid weather. Regardless of climate, protective measures should be adopted if you live in, or travel to an area reporting COVID-19.
Myth 2: Extreme cold weather and snow may kill the new coronavirus
It has flu like symptoms so there is no reason to believe that it will be harmless in cold weather. The normal human body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the external temperature or weather.
Myth 3: Hot bath may prevent the new coronavirus disease
Hot weather and hot water both are equally not effective on the Covid-19. Your normal body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower. Interestingly, extreme hot water bath will only leave you burned.
Myth 4: Mosquitoes can spread the new coronavirus
Till date, there has been no official data or evidence that can confirm that coronavirus can be transmitted via mosquitoes. The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose.
Myth 5: Ultraviolet disinfection lamps kill the new coronavirus
UV lamps should not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.
Myth 6: Spraying alcohol or chlorine may kill the new coronavirus
No. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. The two things can be used only as a disinfectant for a surface, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations.
Myth 7: Vaccines against pneumonia can protect you against the new coronavirus
No. Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus. Infact, there are cases where people took wrong medicines and eventually had to suffer with even more complications.
Myth 8: Regularly rinsing your nose with saline help prevents infection with the new coronavirus
No. There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with the new coronavirus.
Myth 9: Eating garlic helps prevent infection with the new coronavirus
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 10: The new coronavirus affects only older people
Anyone can check the number of cases across the world. People of all age groups were seen getting infected by the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.
Myth 11: Anti-malarials are effective in treating Covid-19
Till date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). However, recently conducted trials have shown that chloroquine may aid in speedy recovery of Covid-19 patients.
Myth 12: Wearing face masks protects you from contracting Covid-19
Wearing a face mask is certainly not an iron-clad guarantee that you won’t get sick – viruses can also transmit through the eyes and tiny viral particles, known as aerosols, can penetrate masks.
According to WHO:
- If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection.
- Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
- Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rubs or soap and water.
- If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.
- Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- Cover mouth and nose with the mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
- Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rubs or soap and water.
- Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not reuse single-use masks.
- To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rubs or soap and water.
Myth 13: You can get the virus from products made in China
Scientists currently believe that the virus doesn't survive for extended periods on hard surfaces, although its lifespan is still being studied. A package from China will be in transit for several days or weeks before being delivered so it's unlikely that it harbours the virus, according to John Hopkins Medicine.
Myth 14: Consuming cow dung and cow urine can cure and prevent Covid-19
In some Indian cities, cow dung and cow urine have been administered as antidotes, claiming that it boosts our immune system and kills the virus. Scientifically there have been no evidence to support the claim.
Myth 15. Consuming chicken can cause Covid-19
What affects chicken called the Bird Flu or Avian flu. the novel coronavirus has nothing to do with birds. If the chicken is healthy and comes from a properly inspected farm, cleaned to ensure that they are disease free, it's reasonably safe to say that the consumption of well-cooked chicken/eggs does not lead to a Corona infection.
