10 Coronavirus myths busted

As the novel coronavirus continues to infect people around the world, a host of myths and theories have surrounded the topic. News articles and social media posts are flooded with information about it. Unfortunately, such an outpour of information has made it difficult to separate fact from fiction.

Any misinformation at such alarming times can be dangerous. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of myths along with facts to clear the air.

1. PRECAUTIONS AT GYM
From the time the government has given a green signal to reopen the gyms, there is a debate going around whether to wear a mask while exercising or not. Many believe masks will prevent the spread of infection.

Myth: Mask will prevent transmission of the virus.

Fact: Masks will highly affect the ability to breathe comfortably. Moreover, sweat can make the mask become wet more quickly which may promote the growth of microorganisms. As a preventive measure, it is important to maintain a physical distance of at least one meter from others while exercising.

2. CORONAVIRUS AND DEATH STATISTICS
The increasing number of COVID-19 cases has led to panic among people. Most of them consider COVID-19 to be a life-threatening illness.

Myth: COVID-19 is fatal.

Fact: Most people who get COVID-19 have mild or moderate symptoms and can recover with proper medical care.

Death due to COVID-19 is mostly found in cases above 60 years of age or in cases with certain underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer.

3. ALCOHOL AS A PREVENTIVE MEASURE
Since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, there have been several misleading information about the ability of alcohol in fighting the virus.

Myth: Alcohol can help prevent COVID-19.

Fact: Alcohol consumption does not provide any protection against COVID-19. Rather, it increases health complications and can prove to be harmful.

4. THERMAL SCANNERS IN COVID-19 DETECTION
Thermal scanners are widely used to detect people who have a fever. This has led to the belief that thermal scanners can detect COVID-19 infection.

Myth: Thermal scanners can detect COVID-19.

Fact: Thermal scanners cannot detect people who are infected with COVID-19. They only detect people who have a body temperature higher than normal (i.e. people who have a fever).

5. TRANSMISSION OF COVID-19 VIA INSECTS AND PETS
There are several false beliefs surrounding the transmission of the COVID-19 virus through insects and pet animals.

Myth: COVID-19 can be transmitted through insects like mosquitoes and houseflies and pets.

Fact: To date, there is no evidence that confirms or information that suggests transmission of COVID-19 through mosquitoes, houseflies, or pet animals.

There have been a few reports of cats and dogs that became infected with COVID-19 after contact with their sick owner. But transmission of the virus from animals to humans has still not been found.

SARS-COV-2, the virus responsible for causing COVID-19 spreads mainly through droplets introduced by an infected person through coughs, sneezes, or when he speaks. Touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands can lead to an infection.

6. CORONA CANNOT SURVIVE HIGH TEMPERATURES
As the virus infects people across countries, there are rumors that SARS-COV-2 cannot survive in extremely hot conditions.

Myth: COVID-19 cannot spread in hot climates or exposing yourself to the sun or higher temperatures can protect you from COVID-19.

Fact: The virus has proven to thrive in countries with hot and humid weather, India is the latest example.

The best precautionary measures involve following social distancing and maintaining a physical distance of at least 1 meter from others and frequently cleaning hands using alcohol-based hand rub or washing them with soap and water.

7. COLD WEATHER
If the myth about the virus not being able to spread in hot weather was not enough, news of cold climatic conditions killing the virus began to surface over the internet.

Myth: Cold weather or snow can kill the virus.

Fact: The COVID-19 virus has managed to survive in extreme climatic conditions; both hot and cold. There is no evidence as of now to support the belief that snow can destroy the virus.

The most effective way to protect yourself against the virus remains to be washing hands frequently and maintaining a physical distance.

8. THE VIRUS DOES NOT INFECT YOUNG PEOPLE
Health authorities have advised older people and children to take special precautions. This has made some people believe that the COVID-19 virus can only infect elder individuals or children.

Myth: Only older and younger people are at risk of being infected with COVID-19.

Fact: People with weak and impaired immune systems are at a higher risk of being infected with COVID-19. Since old-aged people and children lack a strong immune system, they are at a higher risk. This does not mean that others need not take any preventive measures. COVID-19 has shown to infect people from all age groups. The fatality is high among those above 60 years of age though.

9. ANTIBIOTICS IN COVID-19 TREATMENT
Many people consider antibiotics can treat COVID-19. But this is not the truth.

Myth: Antibiotics can prevent or treat COVID-19

Fact: COVID-19 is not a bacterial infection but a viral infection caused by the virus SARS-COV-2. Antibiotics work only against bacteria, not viruses.

However, people who get COVID-19 can also develop a bacterial infection as a complication. Antibiotics may be recommended by medical professionals in this case.

10. PNEUMONIA VACCINES AND HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE IN FIGHTING COVID-19
Pneumonia vaccine and hydroxychloroquine, the drug used to treat malaria is widely thought to be helpful in tackling the infection.

Myth: Vaccines against pneumonia can protect against the COVID-19 virus and hydroxychloroquine can help in treating COVID-19.

Fact: Vaccines against pneumonia do not provide any protection against the novel coronavirus. The virus is completely new and requires a vaccine for itself which is under development.

As per current data, hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine has not been shown to be effective against the virus. In fact, the use of these drugs without appropriate medical supervision can cause severe side-effects and can even lead to death.

With so many myths doing the rounds, the best way to take care is by following the precautionary measures shared by the WHO and guidelines laid by the government.