CORONAVIRUS INVASION: DEBUNKING MYTHS

The crisis brought about by Covid-19 across the globe has become so imminent. As the global pandemic, based on the classification made by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020 continues to affect every citizen of the world, misinformation is aggravating the already serious situation.

Myths and misleading ‘truths’ about the ‘coronavirus’ are spreading like wildfire in varied social media platforms. This is not helpful in providing understanding of this health issue which is now critically affecting not only human health but also economies around the world.

While doctors, researchers and medical scientists are finding their way to the in-depth understanding of this virus let us try to give help by trying to be truthful about the how this virus is transmitted and how it works in the human body.

Let factual information debunk these myths circulating on social media and beyond.

Let Us dissect these Viral Myths

Myth #1: Coronavirus symptoms manifest at early stages

Truth: Coronavirus show a wide range of respiratory symptoms which includes fever, cough, and runny nose which can in severe cases result to pneumonia. However, it is surprising that those infected with COVID-19 show no symptoms at its early stages

Myth #2: Only older people are susceptible to the virus

Truth: As the corona virus pandemic have affected mostly all countries around the globe data reveals that anybody, regardless of age, race, and gender can be infected by the coronavirus. Anyone can catch COVID-19. Recent studies however suggest that younger individuals seem less likely to suffer from the severe effects of the disease.

Myth #3: Face masks are efficient in protecting you from the virus

Truth: Masks can help infected people from spreading the virus when they expel droplets. It cannot however protect you from getting the virus. These standard surgical masks are not effective in blocking viral particles that can invade the body. These masks can only serve their purpose of blocking droplets from infected people coupled with proper hygiene practices.

Myth #4: Coronavirus can be transmitted by mosquitoes

Truth: So far NO study or evidence suggest that the new coronavirus can be transmitted by mosquitoes. This virus spreads through droplets expelled by infected people. Studies show that discharges from the nose and droplets from the saliva of infected people is basically what spreads the virus.

Myth #5: Coronavirus can be transmitted by pets

Truth: Though pets may be vulnerable to getting the new coronavirus from infected humans, these animals do not fall ill or even show symptoms of the disease as revealed by health experts. So far there is no evidence that will prove that our pets can actually transmit the virus to their fur parents (but be sure to wash your hands after snuggling with your pets).

Myth #6: Higher temperatures can ‘kill’ the virus

Truth: Higher temperature (Higher than 25C degrees), sunny or hot weather does not prevent the spread of the coronavirus. This fact means that those people coming from countries with hot temperature are equally threatened by the virus.

Myth #7: Alcoholic beverages can protect you from the virus

Truth: Alcoholic drinks can never protect you from COVID-19. It can actually pose danger to your health as this can result to other illnesses and further aggravate health issues. No scientific study suggests this measure to protect anyone from the effects of the coronavirus.

Myth #8: Alcohol and chlorine can kill the virus

Truth: Once the coronavirus have entered your body, no amount of spraying of alcohol or chlorine substances can kill the virus. These chemical substances can be used to disinfect surfaces to prevent the spread of the virus. It cannot however eliminate the coronavirus , which may be incubating in your body. Alcohol and chlorine substances are good for preventive measures but not as a ‘cure ‘to the disease.

Myth #9: Vaccines against pneumonia and the seasonal flu are effective against coronavirus

Truth: Vaccines against seasonal flu as well as those against pneumonia are not effective to protect anyone from COVID-19. This new coronavirus needs its own vaccine which, is still unavailable. Several scientists, organizations and researchers from different countries across the globe are working their ways to develop the effective vaccine against the coronavirus.

Myth #10: Antibiotics can be used against the coronavirus

Truth: Antibiotics can eliminate and kill any bacteria but not viruses. Antibiotics can never work against the virus though it can be used for bacterial infection only under strict medical supervision.

Myth #11: Garlic is a good cure for coronavirus

Truth: Garlic is a healthy food and it actually possesses antimicrobial properties according to the World Health Organization (WHO). However there is no evidence that garlic can help cure people from the ill effects of the coronavirus. Garlic will never improve the condition of anyone infected with the coronavirus as this is a dubious medical advice circulating social media

Myth #12: The virus is part of a biological warfare tactic made by the Chinese

Truth: Covid-19 resembles SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV which triggered outbreaks in the recent decade. Both viruses came from animals and jumped onto humans. These viruses naturally occur among animals found in varied environments. Hence, it logically means that Covid-19, our ‘unseen enemy’ is definitely NOT man-made as no evidence to date will attest to this assumption.

Myth #13: Covid-19 means death to anyone who contracts it

Truth: COVID-19 is NOT a death sentence. Available data reveals that only around 2.3% of those who have the virus expires due to complications caused by underlying health issues like hypertension, diabetes etc. Majority of those with the virus are of mild cases which means they are less likely to develop into uncontrolled severity.

Myth #14: Coronavirus has a lifetime effect on the body

Truth: Those who are infected with the virus and suffering from the ill-effects of COVID-19 will recover as soon as the virus is eliminated from the body. Respiratory symptoms like coughs, colds, and fever demands supportive care at the early stage. Treating the symptoms through supportive medical care can positively impact the body.

Myth #15: If you are able to hold your breath for around 10 seconds or more it means that you are free of the virus

Truth: Breathing exercise can never confirm the presence of the Coronavirus in your body. Only a reliable laboratory test can show evidence as to the Covid-19 disease. The early signs which include fever, lethargy and consistent dry cough can be a basis for the early detection of the virus in the body.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the truth about the Coronavirus liberates our mind from further negative thoughts and gives us ‘inner peace’. Somehow being able to know the science behind it mitigates its impact on our daily lives. It will also be useful to check on a  useful guide about improving mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As for now the proper use of a face mask, sanitizing, eating right, exercising and ‘social distancing’ are the foremost guidelines set by every government to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. Let us be all aware of our responsibility to ourselves and our fellow men.

It really pays to know!

Credits to:  World health Organization (WHO) https://bit.ly/36roLgp

                      Medical News Today https://bit.ly/2WXr5IQ