Covid-19 Myth vs Reality
Covid-19: Myth vs Reality
Myth: COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates
Actual true fact: From
the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS,
including areas with hot and humid weather. Regardless of climate, adopt
protective measures if you live in, or travel to an area reporting COVID-19.
The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently cleaning
your hands. By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and
avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
Myth: Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the new coronavirus.
Actual true fact: There
is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill the new coronavirus or other
diseases. The normal human body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C,
regardless of the external temperature or weather. The most effective way to
protect yourself against the new coronavirus is by frequently cleaning your
hands with alcohol-based hand rub or washing them with soap and water.
Myth: Taking a hot bath does not prevent the new coronavirus disease.
Actual true fact: Taking
a hot bath will not prevent you from catching COVID-19. Your normal body
temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of
your bath or shower. Actually, taking a hot bath with extremely hot water can
be harmful, as it can burn you. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19
is by frequently cleaning your hands. By doing this you eliminate viruses that
may be on your hands and avoid infection that coud occur by then touching your
eyes, mouth, and nose.
Myth: The new coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites.
Actual true fact: To
date there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new
coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes. The new coronavirus is a
respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an
infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge
from the nose. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently with an
alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Also, avoid close
contact with anyone who is coughing and sneezing.
Myth: Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the new coronavirus.
Actual true fact: No.
Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have
already entered your body. Spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes
or mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth). Be aware that both alcohol and chlorine
can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate
recommendations.
Myth: Do vaccines against pneumonia protect you against the new coronavirus?
Actual true fact: No.
Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus
influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the new
coronavirus.The virus is so new and different that it needs its own
vaccine. Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine against 2019-nCoV, and WHO
is supporting their efforts.Although these vaccines are not effective against 2019-nCoV,
vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect your
health.
Myth: Can eating garlic help prevent infection with the new coronavirus?
Actual true fact: Garlic
is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there
is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected
people from the new coronavirus.
Myth: The new coronavirus affect only older people.
Actual true fact: People
of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). 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. WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect
themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good
respiratory hygiene.
Myth: There is a specific medicines to prevent or treat the new coronavirus.
Actual true fact: There is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the new
coronavirus (2019-nCoV).However, those infected with the virus should receive
appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms, and those with severe illness
should receive optimized supportive care. Some specific treatments are under
investigation, and will be tested through clinical trials. WHO is helping to
accelerate research and development efforts with a range or partners.
For more details visit WHO
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