Coronavirus: Myths and Rumors vs Facts
The number of Coronavirus victims has crossed over 110,000, and WHO has updated COVID-19 risk to very high. As serious as the Coronavirus epidemic is, the rising Coronavirus myths and rumors have only made the situation worse. Instead of creating awareness among people, these myths and rumors have triggered the panic button and have increased the risk of more people getting infected by this virus. You might also be interested in what parents should know and do about Coronavirus.
We can't get infected if we use face masks! - Myth
Face masks protect us from getting infected via respiratory droplets which are one of the main carriers of the COVID-19 virus. However, aerosols, which are tiny viral particles, can easily enter through the mask. Also, the Coronavirus can enter through our eyes. So, wearing masks is not enough to protect ourselves from the virus. We should also maintain distance from infected people, wash our hands regularly, and wear proper PPE when applicable.
Coronavirus is deadly only for the elderly, young people are safe! - Myth
The symptoms of COVID-19 are quite similar to that of the flu. However, in some cases, it can cause severe respiratory infection. People with weak immune, most likely elderly population, have higher chances of developing a respiratory infection from Coronavirus. However, this doesn’t mean that the younger population is completely safe. Everybody, irrespective of the age group and gender, is at high risk if they have weak immune and any existing health or respiratory problems. So, people, young and old, should follow the precautionary measures to protect themselves and stop the spreading of the virus.
A virus can be transmitted through the mail or goods produced in China! - Myth
According to WHO, getting a letter or any form of mails from China won’t get us infected from the virus. Scientists are still studying how long Coronavirus can stay alive on outside surfaces. Based on previous studies done on another form of similar viruses, they don’t stay alive for long on outside objects and surfaces. If you are unsure, you should wipe the surface with disinfected and wash your hands throughly after.
Thermal scanners can detect people infected with the new Coronavirus - Myth
Thermal scanners do nothing more than showing the temperature of the human body. They can help to identify people who have high temperatures which is one of the symptoms of Coronavirus. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that all people that have high temperatures are infected with the new virus. Also, infected people in the early stages might not even have a high temperature.
A virus can be transferred by Pets (Cats and Dogs) - Myth
Currently, there is no evidence that suggests humans can get infected by COVID-19 through pets. However, as a precaution, you should avoid touching your face (mouth, nose, and ears) after touching your pets and should wash your hands thoroughly. It will keep you safe from other bacterias like E.coli and Salmonella that do get transferred from pets to humans.
Eating Garlic will protect you from the Coronavirus - Myth
Garlic is a highly nutritious food with a lot of health benefits such as improving cholesterol and reducing high blood pressure. Garlic supplements are known to boost the function of the immune system. However, there are no proven benefits that garlic will help to prevent COVID-19 or help to cure the infection.
Antibiotics or Vaccines can protect you from Coronavirus - Myth
At the moment, there are no medicines or vaccines that can cure you or prevent you from getting infected by Coronavirus. Also, antibiotics don’t work on viruses but only on bacteria. So preventing the infection is by far our best option and solution. We should strictly follow the guidelines related to hand hygiene and self-quarantined ourselves incase we develop flu-like symptoms.
