COVID-19 pandemic: Myth busters

Coronavirus has brought the world to a stand-still situation and with an increasing number of cases and deaths every day, many people globally are in a stay of panic about the virus, COVID-19. With an aim to control this critical situation, thereby get a hold on the false information which is being passed around, World Health Organisation (WHO) has released a list of myth-busters - set of facts which one needs to know about the virus.

Officials and countries across the world are trying to bring the situation under control and the only request which every government is sharing is to ensure the right information is passed to the public, thereby maintain social distancing and the basic norms of cleanliness.

Below mentioned are the WHO myth-busters about Coronavirus (COVID-19) :

1. People of all ages CAN be infected by Coronavirus. 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. 

2. Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the coronavirus.

3. The coronavirus CAN be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates

4. The coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites.

5. There is NO evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can transmit the coronavirus.

6. Taking a hot bath DOES NOT prevent the coronavirus

7. Hand dryers are NOT effective in killing the coronavirus

8. Ultraviolet light SHOULD NOT be used for sterilization and can cause skin irritation

9. Thermal scanners CAN detect if people have a fever but CANNOT detect whether or not someone has the coronavirus

10. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body WILL NOT kill viruses that have already entered your body

11. Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, DO NOT provide protection against the coronavirus.

12. There is NO evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with the coronavirus. 

13. Garlic is healthy but there is NO evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from the coronavirus.

14. Antibiotics DO NOT work against viruses, antibiotics only work against bacteria.

15. To date, there is NO specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the coronavirus.

More facts and information about Coronavirus is available on the WHO website. Click here for more details