Coronavirus myths explored
As the coronavirus continues to make the news, a host of untruths has surrounded the topic. In this special feature, we address some of these myths and conspiracies.
Thermal scanners can diagnose coronavirus: Thermal scanners can detect whether someone has a fever or not.
Garlic protects against coronaviruses: there is no evidence that garlic can protect people against COVID-19.
Home remedies can cure and protect against COVID-19: No home remedies can protect against COVID-19, including vitamin C, essential oils, silver colloid, sesame oil, garlic, fish tank cleaner, and sipping water every 15 minutes.
The best approach is to adopt a good handwashing regimen and to avoid places where there may be unwell people.
The virus will die off when temperatures rise in the spring: As it stands, scientists do not know how temperature changes will influence the behavior of SARS-CoV-2.
Spraying chlorine or alcohol on skin kills viruses in the body: Applying alcohol or chlorine to the body can cause harm, especially if it enters the eyes or mouth. Although people can use these chemicals to disinfect surfaces, they should not use them on skin.
These products cannot kill viruses within the body.
Only older adults and young people are at risk: No its false it can be harmful to all
Children cannot catch COVID-19: No it will affect all
Everyone with COVID-19 dies: This statement is untrue, In a recent report, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention concluded that 80.9% of COVID-19 cases were mild.
Face masks protect against coronavirus: There is very little evidence that wearing such masks protects the wearer from infection
Antibiotics kill coronavirus: Antibiotics only kill bacteria; they do not kill viruses.
You can protect yourself by gargling bleach: There are no circumstances in which gargling bleach might benefit your health. Bleach is corrosive and can cause serious damage.
Parcels from China can spread coronavirus: No “because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures.”
Flu and pneumonia vaccines protect against COVID-19: As SARS-CoV-2 is different than other viruses, no existing vaccines protect against infection.
The outbreak began because people ate bat soup: Although scientists are confident that the virus started in animals, there is no evidence that it came from the soup of any kind.
Coronavirus is the deadliest virus known to man: 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.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend 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
- if there are no tissues to hand, sneeze into the crook of your elbow
- use standard cleaning sprays and wipes to disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
- wash your hands with soap regularly for 20 seconds
Unless you are a health worker or are caring for someone who is sick, the CDC does not recommend wearing face masks. The tips above might seem simplistic, but during an epidemic, these are the best ways to make a difference.
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