Coronavirus is alarming the world. But is it really that threatening and can kill everyone that is infected? The answer is no. According to WHO, there have been only 3110 deaths of the total 90,893 people that are infected with the coronavirus. It shows that the fatality rate of coronavirus to date is only 3%.
Coronavirus is not yet declared as an epidemic or a pandemic. Meaning that there are high chances of containing coronavirus as global governments, doctors, and scientists are working together to find the best measures to contain and cure coronavirus. In fact, outbreaks in previous decades, such as SARS, MERS, and H1N1, had higher rates of fatality. So, why is there such a vast panic?
It is because of the handy social media where people are sharing information whatever they get on their phones or social media apps without any credible background. Here are some Coronavirus myths and facts that can give you a sign of relief from the panic of coronavirus.
1. Myth: Hand dryers can kill coronavirus
Fact: No. But, drying hands can keep the water off of your hands, which can make it hard for coronavirus to survive.
2. Myth: Spraying alcohol or chlorine on the body can kill coronavirus that has already entered the body.
Fact: No, it doesn’t. However, using strong alcohol-based sanitizers(1) can be more effective in killing the viruses that are on the hand.
3. Myth: Garlic can cure coronavirus.
Fact: Garlic doesn’t cure coronavirus. However, garlic may contain specific components that can relieve certain symptoms of fever, but there are no studies that prove that it can cure symptoms of coronavirus.
4. Myth: Sesame oil kills coronavirus.
Fact: Sesame oil doesn’t kill coronavirus.
5. Myth: Drinking cow urine or eating cow dung cures coronavirus.
Fact: No, Cow urine and dung are waste products. Eating or drinking may damage your health and can also be fatal.
6. Myth: People in high-temperature regions like India cannot be killed by a coronavirus.
Fact: No, there are no studies that prove that high-temperature regions like India can kill coronavirus.
7. Myth: Fetus can get coronavirus from their mothers.
Fact: No, there is no scientific evidence as of now that proves that fetuses can get coronavirus from their mothers.
[Read: know How The Coronavirus Is Spreading ]
8. Myth: Rinsing the nose with saline water can kill coronavirus.
Fact: No, there are no studies that show that rinsing nose with saline water can kill coronavirus.
9. Myth: Ultraviolet lamp treatment(2) can kill coronavirus.
Fact: No, it doesn’t. In fact, if not done by a professional, it can harm your skin.
10. Myth: Pneumonia vaccine can contain coronavirus.
Fact: No, it doesn’t. The new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19 is a different strain to which there are no vaccinations as of now.
11. Myth: Coronavirus is created by humans.
Fact: No, coronavirus is not created by humans. There are several pathogens in animals that cause mild health issues to them as they already have antibodies in them that protect against the infections. However, when these pathogens enter humans, they can harm humans to a large extent as the human system has never developed a defense mechanism against them.
[Read: What Scientists Have Learned From Coronavirus ]
Other facts:
- Coronavirus can stay on the outside surfaces for 2 hours to 9 days, depending on the type of surface. So, make sure that your households and items are always clean and sterilized.
- If you are using surgical masks, dispose of them after use.
- If you are shaking hands with someone, make sure that you clean your hands with sanitizer or a hand wash.
- Coronavirus can affect anyone regardless of age, ethnicity, or region.
- Older people and pregnant women should be taken with extra preventive measures.
- Seek medical advice as soon as you show signs of fever, cough, cold, or shortness of breath.
- Always cover your nose when sneezing or coughing.
- Coronaviruses are zoonotic, which means that it can be transmitted between animals and humans.
- CDC also declared that people should try to avoid traveling to China, South Korea, Japan, and HongKong as the condition is more widespread in those countries. A person traveling to those countries is more prone to be infected by the disease.
[Read: Pregnancy and Coronavirus]
How can I stay away from these myths of coronavirus?
Do not trust everything that is on social media or the ones that you receive from WhatsApp forwards. If you are receiving any forward or information about coronavirus, check if they have any references from WHO, scientific journals, or from governments.
Also, make sure that you do not share any information that you think is dubious or falsified. Plus, there are certain websites and products that claim that their products can cure coronavirus. Do not trust such sources, as there is no product that is approved by governments, scientific, or medical communities that can cure coronavirus.
Conclusion:
Yes, coronavirus is dangerous, and we all have to be careful about the disease. However, to avoid panic both for ourselves and in public, we should all be cautious about the information that we share or receive as it can psychologically damage people and also damage the society’s economy.
