WHO explains 13 myths about coronavirus
These directives are made to prevent panic and hysteria among people
Coronavirus has already been announced as the global epidemic. Everyday people are dying and new ones are being infected with this deadly virus. With all of these, misinformation is spreading like hysteria, reports Strait Times. So here are some myths that roaming around the globe and WHO clarifies why they are not true -
1. Hand dryers are effective in killing coronavirus
No, they cannot. In fact, no device has yet been identified as positive to kill the virus. So WHO has instructed to refrain people from doing such things. Instead, one should frequently clean his/her hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. After cleaning, the hands should be dried using paper towels or a warm air dryer.
2. Ultraviolet disinfection lamp can kill coronavirus
This is a dangerous misinformation as UV lamps should never be used to sterilise hands or any other areas of skin. It can cause skin irritation.
3. Does thermal scanner work?
It does, but only for those who have been infected with the virus and showing signs of fever. Then the scanners can identify positive COVID 19 by catching the higher body temperature.
However, scanners cannot detect people who are infected but are not yet sick with fever. Because it takes between 2-10 days before people who are infected become sick and develop a fever.
4. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over the body kill coronavirus
No, Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over the body does not kill viruses that have already entered in the body. Spraying such substances can be harmful to a person's eye and mouth and clothes.
5. Coronavirus can be infected by deliveries from China
Research has shown that coronaviruses do not survive long on objects, such as letters or packages. So it is completely safe to accept packages from China.
6. Pets at home spread coronavirus
According to latest development, pets can be infected with coronavirus but they cannot pass it to humans. But it is always suggested to wash hands with soap and water after contact with pets.
7. Vaccines against pneumonia might protect from coronavirus
No vaccine has yet been discovered which can prevent or cure coronavirus. Researchers are on run to develop a vaccine against it, and the WHO is supporting their efforts but nothing has been developed yet.
8. Rinsing nose regularly with saline will help prevent infection from coronavirus
No. There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with the new coronavirus.
9. Eating garlic can help preventing coronavirus
Unfortunately, there is no evidence that shows eating garlic can protect people from infecting with coronavirus.
10. Putting on sesame oil block the coronavirus from entering the body
No. Sesame oil does not kill the coronavirus. It will have absolutely no impact.
11. Coronavirus is mainly targeting older people
No. People of all age groups are equally vulnerable to coronavirus. But, older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease) are more susceptible of being infected.
12. Antibiotics are effective in treating coronavirus
No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. This is a total misconception.
13. Which specific medicines are effective to prevent or treat coronavirus?
To date, there is no specific medicine to prevent or treat the novel coronavirus.
