The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is the single-most-important topic on the minds of people all over the world, and it remains the subject of regular updates from health officials. With a plethora of information available on various social media platforms, it is confusing about what to follow and what to dismiss? Following myths without checking on relevant facts can do more harm than good.
Here are a few myth-busting facts which you may have heard, but you are not sure whether to believe it or not.
1. If you can hold your breath for ten seconds without discomfort, you don’t have COVID-19.
False
As per the World Health Organization (WHO) experts, there is “no evidence” to support the claims. The most prevalent symptoms of COVID-19 are tiredness, fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. Some people may develop more serious forms of the disease, such as pneumonia. To get a confirmation, you must undergo a laboratory test. This breathing exercise cannot be used as a tool to confirm if COVID-19 infects a person.
2. COVID-19 affects only older people, and young people are safe.
False
The novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) can infect people regardless of their age. Older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) seem more vulnerable to the virus to become seriously ill. The WHO recommends people of all ages take steps to protect themselves against the virus, for instance, by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.
3. The pets at home can spread the new virus.
False
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no evidence that pets, livestock, or wildlife can transmit the disease to humans. However, it is a good practice to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets.
4. Kids can’t get Coronavirus
False
Children are no less likely than adults to become infected with the novel Coronavirus, but they are less likely to get seriously ill from it. Kids can be infected with and appear to be able to transmit Coronavirus, even if they do not have symptoms. That is why children need to practice social distancing and hand-washing, even if they do not appear ill.
5. The new Coronavirus can be transmitted through mosquito bites
False
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), there are no reports of any spread of novel Coronavirus by mosquitoes to humans. Mostly, the new Coronavirus is spread through droplets produced when we sneeze or cough, and touch contaminated surfaces. Even if a mosquito took a sufficiently high dose of the virus in a blood meal, there is no evidence that the virus could infect the mosquito itself. And if the mosquito is not infected, it can not pass it on to the next person she bites.
6. Extreme cold or hot weather can kill the new Coronavirus.
False
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no reason to believe extreme cold or hot weather can kill the new Coronavirus. The normal body temperature of a human remains around 36.5 °C to 37 °C and the most efficient way to protect yourself from the novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is by using soap water to clean your hands frequently. You can also use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
7. Hot Bath can avert you from getting infected by COVID-19
False
Taking a hot bath will not keep you protected against coronavirus COVID-19. Some studies have shown that taking a hot bath with extremely hot water can be harmful as it can burn your skin.
8. Everyone infected with COVID-19 dies.
False
It is quite clear from the data available that COVID-19 is only fatal for a small percentage of people.
According to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention concluded that 80.9% of COVID-19 cases were mild. The World Health Organization (WHO) also reported that around 80% of people experience a relatively mild form of the disease, which will not require any kind of specialist treatment in a hospital. Some of the mild symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, tiredness, and shortness of breath.
9. Hand dryers are effective in killing the new Coronavirus
False
The heat from a hand dryer alone is not enough to kill the new Coronavirus. However, in combination with washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, this method is very effective. To protect yourself against Coronavirus, you should follow basic hygiene. You can also dry your hands after using paper towels, or instead use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Myths and falsified information during the crisis only add on to the trouble. The best way to deal during this time is to cross-check information before believing it. We just need to follow the necessary precautions to keep COVID-19 away. Stay fit, stay healthy and practice social distancing. Stay updated with Follow our blogs and let us know your views in the comment section below. If you are experiencing any symptoms related to COVID-19, immediately consult our medical experts through our telemedicine services from the comfort of your home.
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