All You Need to Know About Coronavirus Myths!

With the global spread of SARS-CoV-2, there has been numerous myths making a round, which are completely false.

The coronavirus disease has spread across almost all countries, and has taken near a million lives so far. It has also affected the global economy and almost caused a total shutdown. The subsequent second and third waves have also been difficult to control.

Since the advent of COVID-19, people have been talking a lot about this disease, how it spreads, signs, symptoms and its treatment. At the same time, several claims have been circulating in the media as well as in social sites about this disease, which are more of a myth rather than a fact. These myths seem to do more harm than good to people and it is important that they are addressed at the right time.

Bearing these things in mind, we have decided to address some of these common myths and unravel their effectiveness against COVID-19. Hope this one helps all who are affected by this virus.

1. Hydroxychloroquine doesn’t have any benefit against COVID-19.

Hydroxychloroquine is a drug which is used for malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.

Based on available information, hydroxychloroquine has shown no any benefit against moderate and severe disease. Plus, when given without medical supervision, it has potential to cause serious side effects.

So far, there hasn't been any vaccines against COVID-19. Trials are in place to get one soon. Vaccines against flu and pneumonia can't be used against SARS-CoV-2.

2. Drinking alcohol doesn’t protect against COVID-19.

Alcohol is an essential component of the hand sanitizer, which you use, as it destroys the lipid component of the virus. But, when ingested, alcohol doesn’t destroy the virus in your body. Infact, drinking excess alcohol increases your likelihood of getting other health problems.

3. Ultraviolet radiation sources are not recommended for use in hands or other parts of your skin.

Some sources have cited the use of ultraviolet radiation for killing the virus in your hands and other parts of your skin. But, this does more harm than any good. This harmful radiation can damage your skin and even lead to permanent damage if used excessively.

The best way to make your hands clean is by using alcohol-based hand sanitizer or by washing your hands with soap and water.

4. Coronavirus disease doesn’t spread through mosquito bites.

Some people seem to have a dilemma about whether or not the coronavirus disease spreads through the bite of mosquito. The answer is no.

The virus, which causes the coronavirus disease, SARS-CoV-2, spreads through respiratory droplets, generated when an infected person sneezes, coughs or talks. When nearby healthy person inhales these respiratory droplets, then they are infected. So, this virus is basically a respiratory virus.

There has not been any scientific evidence or any particular incidence to show that mosquitoes can spread the coronavirus. So, don’t worry about mosquitoes spreading the virus.

5. Coronavirus disease is not a highly fatal disease.

When a person is infected by the coronavirus, it is more likely that he will recover rather than it being fatal, provided the person is not suffering from a pre-existing health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer or past surgical history.

At present, the global fatality rate stands at around 5 percent, meaning that 5 out of 100 coronavirus cases are fatal. More importantly, if you have mild or moderate symptoms, chances of your survival are even more, if you are getting adequate supportive care.

6. There is no any reliable scientific evidence to show that garlic prevents COVID-19.

In some parts of the world, traditional medical practioners have prescribed the use of garlic against coronavirus disease. Garlic does seem to have other health benefits, such as protection against some microbes, but current researches don’t seem to support the idea that it can prevent COVID-19.

Hence, using garlic is based on more of a myth rather than a scientific proof.

The best way to stay protected is by washing your hands with soap and water and using alcohol-based sanitizer. Radiation use or thermal scanning are not beneficial.

7. Shipments from China does not cause coronavirus disease.

The first case of coronavirus disease was identified in Wuhan, China. Since then, China has taken excellent measures to contain and curb the spread of this virus. Infact, as things now stand, compared to other parts of the world, China has less coronavirus cases and people have resumed back their everyday work.

Some people fear that shipments from China can cause coronavirus disease. However, shipments take days to travel and it is highly unlikely that the virus can remain active for such a long time in a non-human host.

8. At present, there is not any vaccine, which can prevent COVID-19.

Some sources claim that vaccines against pneumonia or flu can be used for COVID-19. However, this is absolutely false. The virus which causes flu is totally different than the SARS-CoV-2, which causes the coronavirus disease.

At present, several leading research companies are doing trials about the vaccines, which they have developed for coronavirus. There have been progress on this front, but no vaccine has been approved for global use yet.

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9. The virus originated from a natural mutation.

There has been rumours circulating in the media that the virus is a man-made virus and has been purposely spread in the environment. However, evidence supporting this claim is minimal and not trustworthy.

Similar to other outbreaks in the past, like Ebola and SARS, the virus seems to have jumped from one host to next, before taking its current form.

10. Saline nasal wash doesn’t protect against COVID-19.

Saline nasal wash can be helpful in clearing the excess mucus present in your nasal tract, thereby increasing your airflow in and out from the nose. But, there has been no any evidence to suggest that this can help protect against COVID-19.

11. Use of antibiotics are not recommended against coronavirus disease.

Antibiotics are drugs, which target bacteria and kill them or inhibit their growth, so that they do not multiply in excess and cause infections in the body. Antibiotics have no role against viruses at all. Only if a coronavirus infected person has been secondarily infected by a bacteria, then an antibiotic can be prescribed. Or else, the use of antibiotics has no benefit.