Ever since the World Heath Organisation declared corona virus outbreak as 'pandemic', people became fearful and with fear came misinformation and rumors.
In 2020, when the Covid-19 outbreak struck the World, no one knew a thing about this novel coronavirus. There were a lot of assumptions, prejudices and myths around the disease which has already taken lives of more than 12.7 lakh people Globally.
The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, spread from China's Wuhan province to every continent in the World except Antarctica. As reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), there have been more than 5.1 crore confirmed cases. The United States has been the most affected country.
Even as the word pandemic took the rounds, panic and fear gripped the common man and with this fear came misinformation and rumors, that spread like wildfire and people started believing them, a lot of them relying on the fake news and messages being spread through social media.
Today we dissect some of the popular myths doing the rounds, regarding the causes of coronavirus, how its spreading or the modes of treatment.
1. Eating garlic prevents COVID-19?
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There is NO evidence as of now that eating garlic could protect people from having Covid-19. WHO has also clearly stated that there is no evidence whatsoever that it prevents the virus.
Because of the antimicrobial properties of garlic, people think it can prevent the COVID-19 infection. (Representational Photo: IANS)
2. Can thermal scanners detect COVID-19?
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Thermal scanners are effective in detecting more than normal body temperature in a person. It can detect people with fever but cannot detect people who are infected with COVID-19 (Image Source: Twitter@WHO)
3. People who contract COVID-19 do not recover?
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COVID-19 is fatal for a small percentage of people who develop the illness. Most people who contract coronavirus have mild or moderate symptoms and do not need specialist treatment in a hospital.
If you have a cough, fever and difficulty breathing seek medical care early. Many people with the underlying infection experience no symptoms. (Image Source: Twitter@WHO)
4. Only old people are affected by coronavirus
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Corona affects everyone, from child to teenager, from middle aged to the old. Till now it has not spared anyone. However, even though the young people get infected, the mortality rates are on the lower side.
The ratio of old people getting infected is a little higher but that is because of their weak immune system and underlying co-morbidities.
People with pre-existing diabetes mellitus, kidney disease and heart conditions are also at a greater risk for the infection and mortality. (Representational Photo: Reuters)
5. Hydroxychloroquine has clinical benefits in treating COVID-19?
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The hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine, a treatment for malaria, lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis, has been under study as a possible treatment for COVID-19.
But the current data shows that this drug does not reduce deaths among hospitalised COVID-19 patients, nor helps people with moderate disease. (Image Source: Twitter@WHO)
6. Do vitamin and mineral supplements cure COVID-19?
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The answer is NO. The Micronutrients, such as vitamins D and C and zinc, are critical for a well-functioning immune system and play a vital role in promoting health and nutritional well-being.
However, there is presently no guidance on the use of micronutrient supplements as a cure for coronavirus. (Representational Photo: IANS)
7. Should we wear mask during exercising?
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As per WHO, people should NOT wear masks when exercising, as masks may reduce the ability to breathe comfortably.
Sweat can make the mask become wet more quickly which makes it difficult to breathe and promotes the growth of microorganisms. The important preventive measure during exercise is to maintain a physical distance of at least one meter from others.
8. Drinking alcohol protects against COVID-19?
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As per WHO, drinking alcohol does not protect you against COVID-19 and can be dangerous. The harmful use of alcohol increases your risk of health problems.
9. Cats and dogs spread the coronavirus
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There have been several reports of pets developing the infection, including in the US. In most cases, the pets became sick after coming into contact with people who had COVID-19.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 'There is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.' (Image Source: File photo)
10. Pepper prevents or cures COVID-19?
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Hot peppers in your food could be helpful in making your food tasty, but they CANNOT prevent or cure coronavirus. (Representational photo)
