10 Misconceptions about Coronavirus

With the spread of the Coronavirus around the world, it is natural to feel very panic, especially as the numbers are starting to rise again. Coronavirus is causing a disease known as COVID- 19. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Scientifically inaccurate information about the Coronavirus and how to prevent/treat it circulating on social media and some inept news outlets make matters worse.

To help you overcome the vast amount of misinformation, here are some common misconceptions about the Coronavirus:

Coronavirus is no more dangerous than seasonal flu

While it is true that the symptoms of Coronavirus are no worse than the symptoms of seasonal influenza, the mortality rate from it is higher. 

Corona virus only kills the elderly

The COVID- 1 9 mortality rate increases with age. While it is true that the elderly and people with pre-existing health conditions are more likely to develop this disease, anyone at any age can be infected. Moreover, it can cause some serious respiratory problems, regardless of your age or health condition.

It is also worth noting that there are certain groups of people who are more susceptible to infection with the Coronavirus, such as health care workers and immediate family members who care for the infected. Therefore, young and healthy people need to report symptoms and follow quarantine instructions carefully to protect the most vulnerable members of society and prevent the spread of disease.

The face mask does not protect against infection

This is partly true. The virus can enter your body by touching the eyes, and aerosols, meaning small particles of viruses, can penetrate face masks. However, wearing a mask helps prevent droplets from someone coughing or sneezing near you. Droplets are actually a major method of transmission of the Coronavirus. 

However, people infected with the Coronavirus and/or showing symptoms should wear a mask to prevent it from spreading to others, and health and social care workers who care for patients with COVID- 19 or spend long periods in the hospital must wear masks to protect themselves from infection. Family members/caregivers who care for patients also fall into this category. 

Home remedies can treat and prevent Coronavirus

While garlic, water, and vitamin C are good for your health, eating them will not cure you or protect you from the Coronavirus. Another treatment that is circulating on social media is that covering your body with sesame oil or antiseptics can kill the virus, and this is not true. 

Hot climate can kill the Corona virus

Some have suggested that the coronavirus cannot survive in high temperatures, but there is not enough information about this new virus, and there is no way to know if heat is able to kill it.

Pneumonia vaccines can protect

Pneumonia vaccines like pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus vaccine do not work on Coronavirus. A vaccine is currently being developed for this extremely new virus.

Regularly washing the nose with saline can prevent infection with the Coronavirus

There is no scientific evidence that cleaning the nose with a saline solution can prevent infection with the Coronavirus. Moreover, always wash your hands before touching or cleaning your nose.

Antibiotics Can Prevent and Treat COVID- 19

Antibiotics only work against bacteria, not viruses. However, people being treated for COVID- 1 may be given 9 antibiotics if they have a common bacterial infection.

Corona virus is man-made

Please do not believe everything you read on social media. Conspiracy theories about the origins of the Coronavirus abound. While many people outside of China believe it to be a biological weapon developed in a Chinese laboratory and leaked, the counter-argument on Chinese social media is that it was launched by the United States. Scholars on both sides rejected the theories. Although the exact origin of the Coronavirus is still unknown, experts believe that it may have originated in bats and transmitted to another host before spreading to humans, just like SARS in the year 2003.

Pets can spread the Corona virus

At present, there is no scientific evidence that animals such as dogs and cats have been infected with the Coronavirus. Regardless, wash your hands with soap and water after touching your pets as a precaution.

While this coronavirus outbreak is dangerous, it is important to educate yourself and stay calm. Not only will panic make you anxious, but it will also make everyone around you anxious. Follow the preventive measures put in place by trusted medical agencies and wash your hands as often as possible to prevent infection.