COVID-19 corona / corona news india in english

Some common myths about coronavirus
In this era of social media where everybody has a platform to speak
their minds, circulating myth about a disease is very common. These
myths not only create panic but also lead to some people becoming
carefree. So here I am busting ten common myths about COVID-19 that
I have come across very frequently

1. Myth- Eating garlic and gargling with hot water
helps prevent coronavirus.

Facts- garlic has some antibacterial properties but COVID-19
commonly known as coronavirus is a virus. And gargling with hot
water can be helpful in case of common flu. There is till now no
evidence to proof its action against coronavirus. 1

2. Myth- COVID-19 spreads through mosquitoes and
flies

Fact- There is no evidence to prove the spread of coronavirus
through mosquito and flies. It spreads primarily when an infected
person coughs and sneezes. So you need to avoid close contact
with any person who coughs or sneezes and wash your hand
regularly with soap water or alcohol based handrubs containing
(60% or above alcohol content 2 )

3. Myth- Hot weather can kill coronavirus

Fact-There is no evidence yet to prove that hot weather can kill
coronavirus. It might slow down the spread. Some studies show
that covid-19 can survive hot and humid climates. Hot weather
cannot kill the coronavirus 3

4. Myth- Antibiotics can kill COVID-19

Fact- Antibiotics are effective against bacterial infection while COVID-19
is a virus. Do not take antibiotics until prescribed by a Doctor.
5. Myth– Coronavirus was made in lab in china
Fact- there are no evidences which prove that COVID-19 was made in a
lab in china in fact a recent study demonstrates that this virus is a
product of evolution and some 4 researchers also believe that the virus
might have jumped from bats or pangolins to humans

6. Myth- COVID_19 outbreak began because people
of china used to eat bat soup or bat meat

Fact- although some researchers believe that virus might have
originated in bats but there is no evidence that the virus came in from
soup of any kind. The viral video where women are seen with bat soup
was filmed in Palau, Indonesia in 2016 and has no link 5 to the outbreak
7. Myth- only when you stay with an infected person
for more than 10 minutes, you will get infected
Fact- the more longer you stay with an infected person, the more likely
you are to get infected but you can also get infected in less than 10
minutes

8. Myth- Face masks protect against coronavirus
Fact- if someone who is not well or is suffering from any flu wears a
mask then it reduces the chances of people in his vicinity getting
infected but there is very little evidence that wearing a mask can
prevent a healthy individual from getting infected. Only a health care
worker and someone who is taking care of the sick should wear a mask

along with maintaining basic hand hygiene that is washing their hands
with soap and water for 20 seconds or more or using an alcohol base
handrub. 6

9. Myth- Everyone with COVID-19 dies

Fact- according to world health organization this statement is untrue.
The mortality rate in this case is The Chinese center for disease control
and prevention reported that 80.9% of COVID-19 cases were mild 7 and
most of them didn’t require hospitalization however isolation is
extremely important to prevent it from spreading further. So don’t try
to treat yourself at home and there is nothing to get scared so inform
the nearest hospital and contact a doctor if you suspect.
– Primary Symptoms include fever dry cough, Sore throat, tiredness
and shortness of breath. Runny nose was reported in very few
cases so its rare but can be a symptom.

10. Myth- Coronavirus spreads through air (airborne)
Fact- coronavirus can live in air up to three hours 8 but since the virus is
mainly transmitted from one person to other through droplets released
on coughing or sneezing, the droplets are heavy to remain suspended
in air and it lands on a surface. So you can get infected by touching the
infected surface and then touching your face with your hand 9 . Its very
rare for a person to breath in the virus so social distancing and washing
your hands at regular intervals is the prevention in this case.

Conclusion;

-Don’t believe in rumors, specifically what’s app forwards and random
Facebook posts.
-Don’t shy away from consulting a doctor if you get symptoms.
-Use a disinfectant to clean surfaces that everyone touches like
doorknobs and don’t forget to clean your mobile phones with a
disinfectant
-Protect yourself and others from getting infected by following some
simple steps like practicing cough etiquettes and cleaning you hands
regularly, avoid touching your face with your hands and remain indoors
and avoid social gatherings.

By DR BAKHTAWAR SHAKIL (bakhtawarshakil@gmail.com)
(writer has completed her bachelors in dental surgery and also has
certificate course from MBRU community immunity ambassador
program for COVID-19 infections and a certificate course for OPG and
COVID-19 partners platform to support country preparedness and
response from World Health Organization)