The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread to atleast 100 countries around the world.
Here are some of the myths.
Myth 1 :
Use of masks (Surgical and N-95) are a must to protect yourself.
Fact:
Surgical masks are not recommended even by WHO for people who are healthy.It's for people who have cough, as it will prevent infection, which is in the droplet, from spreading. It also helps in preventing people from touching their face regularly.If the mask gets soiled or moist, it should be changed. You should know how to wear it properly and wash your hands before wearing it.
Myth 2 :
Exposure to the sun for 2-3 hours, drinking hot water and regular gargles will help in protecting against the virus.
Fact:
There is no data available to prove this.Daily exposure to the sun is unlikely to protect you.
Myth 3 :
Using sanitisers is as good as washing your hands.
Fact:
Sanitisers are useful when you're travelling and there is no access to soap and water.But it is always preferable to wash your hands with soap and water. Sanitisers are made of chemicals which kill the virus but the chemical stays on your palms.Once you are back home,you must wash your hands even if you have used a sanitiser.
Myth 4 :
COVID-19 is an airborne infection
Fact:
It is not an airborne virus in the true sense.It is a droplet infection; it can go about a meter when a person coughs.If you are in close contact with an infected person,chances of the virus depositing on your face are high. Droplets can settle on a surface and the virus can survive for a few hours.
Myth 5 :
Virus doesn't survive in hot climate.Increase in temperature will kill the virus.
Fact:
This infection is taking place in tropical countries.There are cases being reported from Singapore,Thailand. So it isn't true.It is however likely that the transmission of the infection come down to some extent with increase in temperature.
Myth 6 :
Alcohol consumption will help.
Fact:
There is no scientific evidence to say so.
Myth 7 :
Home Remedies such as use of garlic,honey,lemon,cloves etc.. are helpful.
Fact:
There is not enough evidence to show that these are useful.
Myth 8 :
Avoid packed food, especially imported ones.
Fact:
Most packed food products are processed and packaged properly.The virus will not survive for that long.It is not a very hardy virus that can survive for months.
Myth 9 :
Virus can survive forever on metal.
Fact:
It depends on the humidity and the temperature. If the virus is indoors and on a metal surface, then it can survive for 8-10 hours.But generally it survives for 3-4 hours.Rise in temperature is likely to decrease the chance of the virus transmission in the outside environment.
Myth 10 :
The sale of meat and poultry products has plummeted, as these are considered unsafe.
Fact:
It's important to understand that it is a virus which jumped species. It started from animals and has now become a human virus with the ability to stretch from one individual to another through coughing and close contact. Not eating non-veg or eggs will not protect you because it is not getting transmitted from meat or meat products.
Here are some of the myths.
Myth 1 :
Use of masks (Surgical and N-95) are a must to protect yourself.
Fact:
Surgical masks are not recommended even by WHO for people who are healthy.It's for people who have cough, as it will prevent infection, which is in the droplet, from spreading. It also helps in preventing people from touching their face regularly.If the mask gets soiled or moist, it should be changed. You should know how to wear it properly and wash your hands before wearing it.
Myth 2 :
Exposure to the sun for 2-3 hours, drinking hot water and regular gargles will help in protecting against the virus.
Fact:
There is no data available to prove this.Daily exposure to the sun is unlikely to protect you.
Myth 3 :
Using sanitisers is as good as washing your hands.
Fact:
Sanitisers are useful when you're travelling and there is no access to soap and water.But it is always preferable to wash your hands with soap and water. Sanitisers are made of chemicals which kill the virus but the chemical stays on your palms.Once you are back home,you must wash your hands even if you have used a sanitiser.
Myth 4 :
COVID-19 is an airborne infection
Fact:
It is not an airborne virus in the true sense.It is a droplet infection; it can go about a meter when a person coughs.If you are in close contact with an infected person,chances of the virus depositing on your face are high. Droplets can settle on a surface and the virus can survive for a few hours.
Myth 5 :
Virus doesn't survive in hot climate.Increase in temperature will kill the virus.
Fact:
This infection is taking place in tropical countries.There are cases being reported from Singapore,Thailand. So it isn't true.It is however likely that the transmission of the infection come down to some extent with increase in temperature.
Myth 6 :
Alcohol consumption will help.
Fact:
There is no scientific evidence to say so.
Myth 7 :
Home Remedies such as use of garlic,honey,lemon,cloves etc.. are helpful.
Fact:
There is not enough evidence to show that these are useful.
Myth 8 :
Avoid packed food, especially imported ones.
Fact:
Most packed food products are processed and packaged properly.The virus will not survive for that long.It is not a very hardy virus that can survive for months.
Myth 9 :
Virus can survive forever on metal.
Fact:
It depends on the humidity and the temperature. If the virus is indoors and on a metal surface, then it can survive for 8-10 hours.But generally it survives for 3-4 hours.Rise in temperature is likely to decrease the chance of the virus transmission in the outside environment.
Myth 10 :
The sale of meat and poultry products has plummeted, as these are considered unsafe.
Fact:
It's important to understand that it is a virus which jumped species. It started from animals and has now become a human virus with the ability to stretch from one individual to another through coughing and close contact. Not eating non-veg or eggs will not protect you because it is not getting transmitted from meat or meat products.
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