As the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 continues to grow and people take precautionary measures to prevent further spread, the World Health Organization is warning of the danger of misinformation.
In fact, in February, the WHO described the abundance of information regarding the novel coronavirus as an “infodemic.”
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The health body defined an “infodemic” as an “an over-abundance of information – some accurate and some not – that makes it hard for people to find trustworthy sources and reliable guidance when they need it.”
In response to the spread of misinformation, the WHO put together a team to track myths and rumours about the virus and dispel them with facts.
Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Google, and Twitter, have also been aiding in the effort to contain the spread of inaccurate information by removing such content from their sites and promoting trustworthy sources.
Here is a roundup of some myths and facts about COVID-19.
Myth:
The new coronavirus can be transmitted through products manufactured in China.
Facts:
Even though the virus can linger on surfaces for a few hours after contact, the WHO said it’s “very unlikely” it will persist on that surface after being moved, shipped, and exposed to different conditions and temperatures.
For anyone concerned a surface has been contaminated, the health agency advises cleaning it with a disinfectant. If someone has already touched it before it’s been cleaned, they should immediately wash their hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or with soap and water.
Myth:
Cold weather and snow can kill the new coronavirus.
Facts:
The WHO said there’s no reason to believe that cold weather can kill the new coronavirus or other diseases, for that matter. The health agency said external temperatures or weather don’t change the human body’s normal temperature of around 36.5 to 37 C.
In addition to this, the WHO said taking a hot bath will also not prevent infection for the same reason.
Myth:
The virus can spread through mosquito bites.
Facts:
Up to this point, there has been no evidence to indicate that the virus can be transmitted through mosquitoes. The WHO maintains that as a respiratory illness, the new coronavirus is primarily spread through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks.
Myth:
The ability to hold your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing or discomfort means you do not have the virus.
Facts:
The WHO emphasizes that a breathing exercise cannot confirm or rule out infection and is not a replacement for a laboratory test.
Myth:
Drinking alcohol will kill infection.
Facts:
Frequent alcohol consumption can lead to increased health risks and doesn't protect against the new coronavirus, says the WHO.
Myth:
Pets can spread the new coronavirus.
Facts:
According to the WHO, there is still “no evidence” to suggest that companion animals and pets, such as dogs or cats, can be infected by the virus. Despite this, people should always wash their hands with soap after touching any pets because they could spread other bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella.
Myth:
Eating garlic will prevent infection.
Facts:
While it may have some antimicrobial properties, the WHO said there is no evidence from the current COVID-19 outbreak to suggest that eating garlic will protect people from the virus.
Myth:
Younger people are not susceptible to COVID-19.
Facts:
Older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease, appear to be more vulnerable to illness caused by the new coronavirus, but the WHO said people of all ages can contract it.
The health agency recommends that people of all ages take precautionary measures, such as washing their hands.
Myth:
Heat can kill the virus.
Facts:
The WHO advises that heat sources, such as hand dryers, are not effective at killing the virus. Further to that, ultraviolet (UV) lamps should also not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of the body.
Myth:
Thermal scanners are an adequate means of detecting coronavirus.
Facts:
According to the WHO, thermal scanners are effective at determining if a person has an elevated body temperature as a result of infection. But they cannot detect an infected person who is not yet showing signs of a fever.
With infected individuals taking between 2 - 10 days to present with a fever, thermal scanning alone is not as reliable as a swab test.
Myth:
Bathing in alcohol and chlorine will kill the virus.
Facts:
The WHO reports that while alcohol and chlorine are useful surface disinfectants, they cannot eliminate the virus once it has entered the body. As essential as these products may be, they should not be used outside of their recommended applications.
Myth:
The pneumonia vaccine will prevent the new coronavirus.
Facts:
The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is so new and unique when compared to other strains of pneumonia that it requires its own vaccine. The WHO writes that existing pneumonia preventions such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine will not protect against the new coronavirus.
Myth:
Using a saline rinse on the sinuses will prevent infection.
Facts:
While there have been reports of saline rinses aiding in the recovery from the common cold, the WHO states that there is no evidence of it protecting people from the new coronavirus.
Myth:
Wearing a mask will protect against infection.
Facts:
The WHO only advises those with symptoms of COVID-19, particularly coughing, or those who will be in direct contact with someone who may have the virus to wear a mask. What’s more, the health body said disposable face masks can only be used once and shouldn’t be worn over and over again.
“If you are not ill or looking after someone who is ill then you are wasting a mask. There is a world-wide shortage of masks, so WHO urges people to use masks wisely,” the organization said on its website.
Once again, the WHO said the most effective ways for people to protect against the virus is frequent hand washing, covering their cough with the bend of the elbow or a tissue, and maintaining a distance of at least two metres from others who are coughing or sneezing.
Myth:
Antibiotics can prevent and treat the new coronavirus.
Facts:
According to the WHO, antibiotics do not work against viruses, such as COVID-19. They are only effective in working against bacteria and should not be used a means of prevention or treatment.
However, someone who is treated in hospital for COVID-19 may be given antibiotics because “bacterial co-infection” is a possibility, the health agency said.
Myth: Once infected with the new coronavirus you will have it for life.
Facts: The majority of those infected with the new coronavirus do recover. The WHO writes that it is important to seek medical care early, if you develop a cough, fever or have difficulty breathing.
