Myths around Coronavirus (COVID-19)

 COVID-19 has become a matter of global concern. Our whatsapp, facebook and other social media are flooded with messages, videos, posts and articles regarding treatment/ home remedies for this infection. So the best thing is to stick to the recommendations by our local government medical authorities and the World Health Organisation.

Here we will be bursting some myths associated with COVID-19, for which WHO itself has clarified and stated them to be false.

• The virus dies in warm climate - It is transmitted in hot and humid areas also.
• The virus can be killed using UV light - No, it causes skin irritation
• The virus cannot survive in cold climate - Cold weather and Snow cannot kill the virus.
• The virus can be spread by Mosquitos - No evidence
• The virus can be killed by hand driers - Virus can be killed at high temperatures like 60°C or above. Hand driers don't raise the temperature to that level.
• The virus can be detected through Thermal scanners - Thermal scanners are used to check fever as fever is one of the symptom of COVID-19 infection, but it can be due to other illnesses also.
• The virus can be prevented by salt water gargling - Salt water gargles are not effective against respiratory virus.
• The virus can be stayed away by drinking water - Drinking water is good for body, but there is no evidence that it helps in killing the virus.

In case you receive similar messages, kindy verify the source and refrain from forwarding these type of messages.

Do the things advised by WHO, just follow precautions and stay safe.

Do not panic! Stay safe!

About Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Protection from COVID-19

References: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters

Protection from Coronavirus (Covid-19)

Following a month of ongoing intensive research on COVID-19, the World Health Organisation has offered standard recommendations so as to reduce exposure and prevent the transmission to general public.

Here are some recommendations that can help us stay safe...

1. Hand wash- Wash our hands regularly for 20 seconds, with soap and water. If water is not available we can use alcohol based hand sanitizers because it kills viruses that may be on our hands.
2. Safe greeting- Greet people by bowing, waving hands, nod, namaste.
3. Cover our mouth- Cover our nose and mouth with a disposable tissue (dispose immediately) or bent elbow when we cough or sneeze.
4. Make sure you disinfect your surroundings regularly.
5. Social Distancing- Avoid close contact with people. Especially who are suffering from cold & cough. When someone coughs or sneezes the small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
6. Seek medical attention- Seek medical attention immediately if you are experiencing symptoms like fever, cough, breathing difficulties. Make sure to explain the detailed symptoms and travel history as well.
7. Take precautions- Try to avoid to go to markets or crowded places. Ensure you wear a mask when stepping out for anything urgent.
8. Food safety- Try to avoid eating raw foods.
9. Stay home and self-isolate from others in house if you feel unwell.
10. Ensure proper sleep and nutrition to keep our immunity levels high. We have to take special care of kids and persons above 60 years, also people with medical history like Asthma, Cardiovascular disease, Respiratory disease, Diabetes. As their immunity is already compromised.
11. Lastly, try and stay positive and use this to do something relaxing and productive. 

About Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Myths around Coronavirus (COVID-19)

References: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019