To counter the epidemic of disinformation triggered by the coronavirus, the World Health Organization (WHO) has corrected several myths circulating on the web.
SARS-CoV-2 is the name of the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease. This coronavirus has now infected more than 200,000 people worldwide, and more than 13,000 cases in the US. Faced with the fear and stress that this pandemic creates, some people may lower their guard and believe, or even share, false information. In order to minimize the spread of the virus and the number of serious cases, it is essential to remain competently informed. In this sense, the World Health Organization ( WHO ) has corrected several myths circulating on social networks.
SARS-CoV-2 or COViD-19 is not sensitive to antibiotics
Antibiotics are designed to battle bacteria. However, it is a virus that is currently spreading throughout the world. No antibiotic will work.
No one knows if SARS-CoV-2 is sensitive to climate or weather
So far, there is no information to confirm whether cold temperatures have an effect on the virus. Likewise, it is too early to know if the coronavirus will disappear with the arrival of warm weather. Some researchers believe that its spread will be curbed, but none dares to assert anything. As of now, it turns out that countries with hot climates and humid have identified cases of Covid-19. Currently, 156 of the 193 member countries of the United Nations are affected by the pandemic.
Young people can also be affected
Older people are more likely to develop a severe form of Covid-19, as are people with medical conditions. All age groups are affected by coronavirus. Only the symptoms vary.
A hot bath does not protect against coronavirus
In normal times, the body temperature is around 98 °F. And taking a hot bath doesn’t change that. In fact, this will not change the likelihood of the coronavirus surviving in the body or the chances of being infected. The best method to protect yourself from infection is to stay at home and wash your hands regularly with soap or hydro-alcoholic gel.
Nasal solutions and garlic consumption do not protect against SARS-CoV-2
There is no evidence to suggest that rinsing the nose with saline prevents the development of Covid-19. In general, this method would not be effective against respiratory infections. On the other hand, if garlic has antimicrobial properties, consuming it does not scare the virus away.
Mosquitoes do not transmit SARS-CoV-2
Regarding the new coronavirus, no information suggests that mosquitoes could transmit it to humans. For now, experts consider it to be a respiratory virus. It is mainly spread by droplets that an infected person generates by coughing, sneezing, saliva or runny nose. However, some studies suggest that it could survive for hours or even days on objects. But none claim that it could be a mode of transmission. Caution is advised.
Vaccines against other viruses do not protect against coronavirus
There is currently no vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. The first clinical trials are underway, but this potential vaccine will not be available for several months or even a year. In the meantime, neither pneumoniavaccines nor the flu vaccine have been found to be effective against the current coronavirus. The WHO nevertheless reminds us that vaccination is highly recommended to protect your health and those close to you.
The use of soap or hydro-alcoholic gel are the only effective ones to kill the virus
In the absence of drugs or vaccines, the only gesture that can protect against the virus is hand washing. Regularly, with soap or a hydro-alcoholic solution. Hand dryers are useless and also UV lamps. UV rays are actually used by China to disinfect certain places, but their direct use on the skin is not recommended. Likewise, spraying alcohol or chlorine all over the body does not kill viruses. And it can be harmful to the mucous membranes like the eyes and the mouth.
Thermal scanners detect feverish people
The scanners thermal are perfectly efficient to detect feverish people affected by a virus, in this case, SARS-CoV-2. On the other hand, they will not be able to detect the disease in a person during the incubation period, that is to say during the period when the virus is present in the body but has not yet made the person sick. The individual, therefore, has no symptoms. This period is estimated between two and ten days. Beyond that, the infected individual will show symptoms. But, in 80% of cases, these will be minor.
