New Delhi: As countries across globe remain beleaguered by the infamous coronavirus pandemic, the rumour-mill has churned out numerous medical myths about the COVID-19 virus. ‘The infection will minimise as weather turns humid, hand dryers can kill the coronavirus – are some of such myths doing rounds.  The unchecked social media forwards have led to a large section of the world believing and practising measures which are not actually helpful in evading the threat of coronavirus.

Here are some of the myth-busters shared by the World Health Organisation to dispel the rumours:

 

  • People of all ages CAN be infected by the 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.

  • Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the coronavirus.

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

  • The coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites.

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

  • Taking a hot bath DOES NOT prevent the coronavirus

  • Hand dryers are NOT effective in killing the coronavirus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


(data by WHO)