A wave of false news has spread the Internet due to the pandemic due to the expansion of the Covid-19 coronavirus. According to a study by a group of Italian researchers, there are more than 120 million false messages on social networks, and WhatsApp is one of the main means of spreading hoaxes around the prevention and alleged cures of this disease. [Follow the most important news of the spread of Covid-19 in EL PAÍS live].
#EnCuarentena I can eat garlic every day: D pic.twitter.com/c9UipEqkCy
- alvaromode (@alvaromode) March 29, 2020Eating garlic in large quantities or bathing in very hot water are two of the great myths that circulate on social networks and that the World Health Organization denies. We have compiled the 14 myths that circulate around the Covid-19.
1. The virus cannot be transmitted in hot or humid areas
"The scientific evidence obtained so far indicates that the Covid-19 virus can be transmitted in any area, including those with a hot and humid climate," says the world health authority. Regardless of weather conditions, the WHO recommends taking protective measures if you live in an area where Covid-19 cases have been reported or if you must travel. "The best way to protect yourself is to wash your hands frequently," says the WHO.
2. Cold weather kills the coronavirus
No weather condition violates the virus. The normal temperature of the human body is maintained around 36.5 ° and 37 °, regardless of the outside temperature or weather conditions. "Therefore, there is no reason to believe that the cold can kill the new coronavirus or kill other diseases," says the WHO.
3. Taking a bath with hot water prevents the transmission of Covid-19
The temperature of the water does not vary the body temperature and, on the contrary, a bath with very hot water can cause burns. "The best thing you can do to protect yourself from the Covid-19 is to wash your hands frequently to eliminate the viruses that may be on its surface and not infect us by touching our eyes, mouth and nose," says the health agency.
4. Hand dryers kill the virus
Hand dryers, even though they emit hot air, do not kill this virus. What is recommended is effective hand washing.
5. Mosquitoes transmit coronaviruses
No, mosquito bites do not transmit Covid-19. The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus that is spread primarily by contact with an infected person through respiratory droplets that are generated when that person coughs or sneezes, for example, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. "To date there is no information or evidence to indicate that 2019-nCoV can be transmitted by mosquitoes," says the WHO. The agency recommends avoiding close contact with anyone who has a fever and cough, and having good hygiene of the hands and respiratory tract.
6. UV lamps kill the virus.
This is false. Ultraviolet lamps should not be used to sterilize the hands or other parts of the body, since ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause erythema (skin irritation) and burns.
7. Infrared thermometers detect those infected with Covid-19
Temperature scans are effective in detecting people with a fever, but it is possible for a person to be infected and have no symptoms. "This is because it takes two to ten days before infected people get sick and develop a fever," says the WHO.
8. Pneumonia Vaccines Prevent Infection of Novel Coronavirus
No. Pneumonia vaccines, such as pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine, do not protect against the new coronavirus. "The 2019-nCoV is so new and different that it is necessary to develop a specific vaccine, which is already being worked on with the support of the WHO," the agency details.
9. You can kill the virus by spraying the whole body with alcohol or chlorine
No. Spraying the entire body with alcohol or chlorine does not kill viruses that have already entered the body. "Spraying these substances can damage clothing and mucous membranes (that is, eyes, mouth, etc.)," says the WHO. Both alcohol and chlorine can be used to disinfect surfaces, provided the relevant recommendations are followed.
10. Using saline solutions in the nose prevents contagion
No. There is no evidence to suggest that this practice protects against infection with the new coronavirus. "Although some evidence indicates that rinsing your nose regularly with saline can speed recovery after a common cold, it has not been shown to prevent respiratory infections," he says.
11. Eating whole garlic prevents contagion
Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. "However, there has been no evidence that eating it protects against the virus causing the current outbreak," says the WHO.
12. The new coronavirus only affects older adults
Covid-19 can infect people of all ages. Although it has been observed that the elderly and those who suffer from some diseases (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease) are more likely to become seriously ill when they acquire the infection. "The WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example through good hand and respiratory hygiene."
13. Taking antibiotics prevents and treats Covid-19
No. Antibiotics are effective against bacteria, but not against viruses. "Since the new coronavirus is a virus, antibiotics should not be used to prevent or treat infection," says the World Health Organization. "However, if you are infected with this virus and you are hospitalized, you may be given antibiotics so that you do not get bacterial infections," he says.
14. There are several medications that prevent coronavirus
At the moment, no specific medication is recommended to prevent or treat infection with the new coronavirus. "It is necessary to adequately care for people infected by this virus to alleviate and treat symptoms and seek optimized support measures for those with severe symptoms," says the agency. Some specific treatments are being studied and will be tested in clinical trials. WHO is helping to streamline research and development with a number of partners
Since you're here ...
... Questions and answers about the coronavirus: from its symptoms to its possible social and economic effects.
... In this guide to action against coronavirus you can find answers to know what to do when you suspect it, how to prevent it or how to act if you are infected.
... Here you can follow the virus progression in Spain updated and here, in the world.
... We offer you ideas to better spend your time at home: exercise, music, culture without leaving the room.
... How to deal with isolation at home if you have anxiety problems.
... Ideas and projects that seek to stop the curve.
... You can follow the latest news about the coronavirus in the live of EL PAÍS.
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