COVID-19 Mythbusters: Get Your Facts Straight Related to Coronavirus

With the spread of a new disease comes a lot of panic and fear, unfortunately, misinformation too is a side effect of the panic. The COVID-19 cases in India spiked up and death tolls are also rising each day. Social media and chat groups so become a haven for fake news and “quick and easy” cures against the virus.

Medical staff wearing protective gear walk inside a disinfecting tunnel before entering a hospital during a government-imposed nationwide lockdown as a preventive measures against the COVID-19 coronavirus, in Srinagar on April 2, 2020. (Photo by Tauseef MUSTAFA / AFP)

With the spread of a new disease comes a lot of panic and fear, unfortunately, misinformation too is a side effect of the panic. The COVID-19 cases in India spiked up and death tolls are also rising each day. Social media and chat groups so become a haven for fake news and “quick and easy” cures against the virus. Research is yet to find a cure for Coronavirus and the vaccine with taking upto 12 to 18 months to be developed. But here are 5 myths that have surfaced and are adding to the confusion. Drinking alcohol: Consuming copious amounts of alcohol will not cure Coronavirus, drinking a lot of alcohol will just cause long term issues to your body. It does not work as a disinfectant for the body, drinking alcohol rub which has an alcohol content of about 90% which when consumed can cause serious harm and even death. Saunas and Steam Baths: Saunas are relaxing and can help with alleviating certain symptoms of a common cold. Saunas are also known to detoxify the body, however, there is no evidence that proves that saunas can flush out viruses from the body. Hot Beverages: Drinking tea and warm water is soothing and has multiple health benefits which include alleviating a sore throat, enhancing digestion and preventing constipation. However, warm water will not flush out viruses in your body. There is no evidence that suggests that the virus rests in the throat before spreading to the lungs. Non-Vegetarian Food: Consuming non-vegetarian food does not cause COVID-19. WHO says that any food that has been prepared hygienically and cooked properly will not cause any illness. Drinking Silver: Silver is not a metal that is present in the body or has any function in the body. Drinking colloidal silver will not kill Coronavirus, rather it will cause more damage to your body. Consuming silver can lead to serious damage like kidney damage & seizures. Saline solution rinse: Regularly rinsing your nose with saline solution can not help prevent the Coronavirus from infecting you. There has been no evidence to support this claim and WHO does not advice this practice. Following reliable sources for information is very important. Make sure you know the source of where you are getting specific information about the time.

• Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Maintain social distance. If you’re out buying groceries, make sure you stay one meter away from people. Avoid crowded spaces at all costs. Pay via payment apps to avoid contact or use alcohol-based hand rub if you’re handling cash. Do not leave your house unnecessarily.
• Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth or eyes. “Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.” (Source: WHO)
• Droplets can spread virus so cough/sneeze in your elbow or a tissue and dispose of it immediately in a dustbin with a lid.

If you notice any symptoms, self-isolate yourself and seek advice from your healthcare provider. Do not seek help from the internet sources.