As the COVID 19 continues to spread and kills so does misinformation and misrepresentation of facts about it.
Taking a look at some of the lies and myths being peddled about the virus and come up with the gospel truth about the virus as preached by the World Health Organisation.
Since the outbreak of the infectious virus from China it has killed over 4000 people and over 100,000 have contacted the virus.
The need for taming the deadly virus cannot be overstated as it has shut down the sporting world and borders of countries are being shut as part of measures to curtail it's spread.
Moreover, The World Health Organization has taken the bull by the horn, coming with lots of enlightenment and education about the virus while the search for its cure goes on.
One of such education is the correction of some myths and outright lies about the virus.
The World Health Organisation, WHO, have debunked the lies around it and put the records straight as the knowledge of nothing but the truth can also help to minimise the spread of the disease infection.
Here are some of the lies and what the WHO says about them:
1. Hand dryers do kill the new coronavirus
According to the WHO, hand dryers are not strong enough in killing the new coronavirus.
The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 remains frequent washing of hands (or clean them with an alcohol-based hand rub), and don't forget to dry them thoroughly with towels or hand drier.
Because washing of hands alone without drying of them is not enough.
2. Ultraviolet disinfection lamps can kill the coronavirus
Ultraviolet lamps should never be used to sterilize hands or skin as they can cause skin irritation according to the WHO and it is not true that they kill the coronavirus though it is true ultraviolet kills microbes on surfaces but should never be as a sterilizer on the hands or skins.
3. Anyone that sneezes and has high temperature is automatically down with the virus
Not every one that sneezes or down with high temperature is infected with coronavirus, flu also causes similar symptoms to COVID-19, including a fever—so just because someone has a fever doesn't necessarily mean they've been infected with the new coronavirus.
While thermal scanners can detect fevers (aka, a higher than normal body temperatures) in those infected with the coronavirus, they cannot detect the infection in those who are not yet showing symptoms.
"This is because it takes between 2 and 10 days before people who are infected become sick and develop a fever," the WHO explains.
4. Spraying alcohol or chlorine on your body can kill the coronavirus
Spraying of alcohol and chlorine all over the body is not going to kill the virus and drinking them won't kill it either.
They are only good as hand sterilizer that can keep your band clean as well spraying them on surfaces but spraying them all over the body or mouth is a no-no.
“Spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth),” the WHO explains.
5. It is not safe to receive a letter or a package from China
This is not true according to the WHO. “People receiving packages from China are not at risk of contracting the new coronavirus,” they explain.
“From the previous analysis, we know coronaviruses do not survive long on objects, such as letters or packages.”
Is there anything to add here? Please go and order your next 'container' of goods from China and let's business continue as a consignment from China is safe after all.
6. Pets can spread the coronavirus
Domestic animals can spread some form of the virus but according to the WHO, there is no evidence that pets can be infected with COVID -19 or spread the new coronavirus.
Just stick with the washing of hands with alcohol-based sterilizer or soap and water after contact with pet “This protects you against various common bacteria such as E.coli and Salmonella that can pass between pets and humans.” WHO explains.
7. Regularly rinsing your nose with saline can help prevent infection with the coronavirus
Saline solution is a mixture of salt and water. The normal saline solution contains 0.9 per cent sodium chloride (salt), which is similar to the sodium concentration in blood or in tears.
Saline has many uses in medicine. It's used to clean wounds, help to recover from the common cold but it has never been proven to help prevent respiratory infections in general and the coronavirus.
8. Eating garlic can prevent infection with the coronavirus
According to the WHO, “there is no evidence” from the current outbreak that the potent herb will protect you from coronavirus.
In fact, eating garlic raw won't protect you against illness though it has been found to possess some antimicrobial properties.
9. Antibiotics are effective in preventing and treating the coronavirus
Nope. This is not correct as antibiotics only work against bacteria only and viruses of any kind. Remember, COVID -19 is a virus hence antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment advises the World Health Organization.
"However, those infected with the virus should receive appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms, and those with severe illness should receive optimized supportive care,” the WHO added.
This information is accurate and true as at press time. You will be updated as new information evolves concerning the infectious COVID -19 but for now separate the myth from the truth, and continue to apply all basic preventive measures as prescribed by health experts and the World Health Organization and be safe.
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