COVID-19:The Myths Versus the Facts

Despite the fact that scientists are still learning about COVID-19, there are a few myths they can clearly debunk when it comes to the virus. Here are some basic myths about COVID-19  that have been debunked  by the World Health Organization (WHO);

1. Claim: Drinking alcohol protects you from COVID-19

Fact: Drinking alcohol does not protect you against COVID-19. Drinking alcohol can be dangerous. The harmful use of alcohol increases your risk of health problems.

2. Claim: There are licensed drugs for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19

Fact: There are currently no drugs licensed for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19. The WHO states that there are several drugs under going clinical trials. However, there is no proof that any of them can prevent or treat COVID-19. Hydroxychloroquine or any other drug for that matter has no proof in the cure and prevention of the virus. Misusing hydroxychloroquine can cause serious side effects and illness and may even lead to death. WHO is working at efforts to develop and evaluate medicines to treat COVID-19.

3. Claim: Adding hot peppers to your soup and other meals prevents and cures COVID-19

Fact: Adding hot peppers to your soup or other meals does not prevent or cure COVID-19. Hot peppers in your meals will make it tasty, however, they do not prevent or cure the virus. Keeping one metre away from others and washing your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap under running water is the best way to protect yourself from the virus. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly and getting good sleep are beneficial for general health.

4. Claim: Covid-19 can be transmitted through flies

Fact: Presently, there is no proof to suggest that COVID-19 can be transmitted through houseflies, because the Covid-19 causing virus primarily spreads through the droplets that are generated from an infected person who sneezes, coughs or speaks. Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands can cause you to become infected. Disinfect frequently-touched surfaces and avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.

5. Claim: Thermal Scanners can detect COVID-19

Fact: Thermal Scanners cannot detect COVID-19 or people infected with COVID-19, but are rather effective in detecting people who have fevers (higher than normal body temperature). Fevers may have many causes and not necessarily be caused by COVID-19.

6. Claim: Spraying and introducing bleach or another disinfectant into your body will protect you against COVID-19 and can be dangerous.

Fact: Under no circumstances should you spray or ingest bleach or any other disinfectant into your body. These disinfectants can be poisonous if and when ingested and may cause irritation and damage your skin or eyes. Bleach and other disinfectants should be used carefully and keep bleach (Chlorine) and other cleaning agents out of reach of children.

7. Claim: Drinking methanol or ethanol can prevent or cure COVID-19.

Fact: Drinking methanol or ethanol are poisonous and can lead to disability or death. These chemicals are used in cleaning products which can kill the virus on surfaces, however they should not be drunk because they can be extremely dangerous. These chemicals will not call the virus in your body but rather harm your internal organs.

8. Claim: Exposing yourself to the hot, humid temperatures, sun or to temperatures higher than 25C degrees does prevent the spread of COVID-19

Fact: You can catch COVID-19 no matter the weather condition. Countries with hot or humid temperatures or weather have reported cases of COVID-19.

9. Claim: Holding your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing or feeling discomfort means you are free from the virus

Fact: Holding your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing or feeling discomfort does not mean you are free from the coronavirus or any other lung disease for that matter. Common symptoms of COVID-19 are a dry cough, tiredness and fever. Severe forms of the disease may manifest in the form of pneumonia in individuals; however, the best was to confirm if you have contracted the virus is through a lab test. Breathing exercises cannot confirm if you have contracted the disease.

10. Claim: Taking a hot bath prevents you from catching COVID-19

Fact: Taking a hot bath does not prevent one from catching COVID-19, this because the normal human body temperature ranges between 36.5°C to 37°C. this does not change no matter how hot or cold the temperature of your bath or shower water is, your body temperature remains within the above range and taking an extremely hot bath can be harmful.