The WHO has compiled a list of indispensable corrections for the novel coronavirus myths that have been dispersing uncontrollably worldwide. From taking antibiotics to hoping for hot weather, they’re all here!
The internet is both an amazing and misleading place. If you’re planning to really grow, it can really help. However, it has many drawbacks. One of them is just how quickly misinformation can disseminate. Hence, during this time, with the novel coronavirus infection, COVID-19, spreading across borders, communities and homes, it is imperative that we get information from trustworthy sources. The least we can do is try to cross check the information we do have with organisations such as The World Health Organisation (WHO).
- COVID-19 can spread in hot and humid climates
As can be seen by the worldwide data tracked by the WHO, the evidence so far suggests that COVID-19 can survive and propagate all areas, this includes countries and areas with hot and humid climates. People thinking that hot and humid areas are not going to be affected is one of the novel coronavirus myths. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 would be to frequently wash your hands and not touch your face with them. This will help eliminate the SARS-CoV-2 on your hands and avoid infection that could transfer via your eyes, mouth and nose (see our guide).
- Cold climates and snow cannot kill or slow down the novel coronavirus
There’s no evidence or reason to suggest that cold weather kills the new coronavirus or, for the matter, any other diseases. Regardless of the environmental temperature or weather, the most effective method of eliminating the virus is to wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol hand sanitizer – with over 60% alcohol content (see our guide).
- Taking hot baths doesn’t help in terms of prevention of COVID-19
Hot baths will not help to prevent COVID-19. This is another one of the novel coronavirus myths.
As long the water isn’t too hot, they do help to relax the body and cleanliness is always nice. If the water is too hot, you could end up burning yourself – see our guide for more details on prevention.
- Mosquitos don’t transmit the novel coronavirus, COVID-19
There is no evidence suggesting that the novel coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitos. SARS-CoV-2 is mainly transmitted through cough/sneeze droplets suspended in the air, from an infected individual or from touching surfaces where infected droplets have landed. Maintain at least 1 meter (over 3 feet) distance from an individual that is sneezing or coughing and, more than likely, you’ll be alright.
- Hand dryers don’t kill the novel coronavirus, COVID-19
No, hand dryers cannot kill SARS-CoV-2. In order to prevent infection, you must wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water – there are effective hand washing techniques used by medical professionals (see our guide) – or use an alcohol sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol content.
- UV radiation may cause more harm than good
Any skin exposure to UV radiation/light can rapidly damage skin, producing sunburns and skin cancer. Any exposure of UV light to eyes would lead painful inflammation of the cornea, damage to the retina, if not complete or partial loss of vision.
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) systems are shielded and work in environments that are safe; limiting exposure. Additionally, medical personnel are trained in their usage. They can only used for medical sanitation in objects or surfaces and, more recently, in sterilsing drinking and waste water.
- Thermal scanners ONLY detect if people have fever
Thermal scanners detect the heat level of an object or being. So, people with fevers (temperature greater than the normal, 37 degrees Celsius) can be detected. Fever is the body’s normal reaction to stress or fighting pathogens (includes bacteria and common viruses like ‘flu’). It occurs between 2-10 days before it appears, if at all. However, it is also a symptom of infection with COVID-19. Therefore, it is being used by authorities to detect ‘potentially’ infected individuals.
- Spraying alcohol or chlorine on your body doesn’t stop the virus
No. Rather, depending on the percentage acidity (concentration) of the alcohol or chlorine, it will cause damage both to clothes and the skin. There are appropriate guidelines to follow when trying to use such liquids.
- Vaccines against pneumonia don’t help against the novel coronavirus
Vaccines for pneumonia act against bacterial pathogens. For example, the pneumococcal vaccine and the Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine.
SARS-CoV-2 is a new virus and will require a new specific vaccine. For some time, many organisations have been working together, along with the WHO, to make a vaccine.
The WHO highly recommends that all people should get vaccinations against respiratory illnesses.
- There’s no evidence to suggest rinsing your nose regularly with saline solution helps against the virus
There is sparse evidence suggesting that rinsing nose with saline solution can help recover from the common cold. There doesn’t seem to be a role in prevention of any particular infection.
- There’s no evidence to suggest eating garlic helps against COVID-19
While garlic is a healthy food to eat and has been indicated in having antimicrobial properties, there isn’t any reason to think that it helps against COVID-19.
- People of all ages need to take precautionary measures
It is now known that all individuals, people of all age groups, are affected by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. People with underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabeter, asthma seen to be the most vulnerable to becoming seriously ill.
- Antibiotics don’t help against viruses such as SARS-CoV-2
Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria.
The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, is a virus. This means that antibiotics will not be effective in prevention or treatment of COVID-19.
- There are no specific medications till date that help fight against COVID-19
To date, there are no specific medications against the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. There are some treatments that are undergoing investigation via clinical trials. The WHO is involved in research and development efforts with various organisations.
However, those who are infected will receive appropriate support and medical care to alleviate the symptoms they have.
Caution: please be careful when trying new home “remedies” against COVID-19. The best way to be careful would be to get armed with correctly sourced, sensible information from trustworthy sources: The WHO – https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019.
There may be many more novel coronavirus myths going around. Let us know in the comments below if you have come across one and we will try to dispel them.
This article is meant to inform and isn’t meant to be our usual “positive news” article.
