COVID-19 myths and facts

Over the last couple of months, the internet is abuzz with rumors.

Common myths and misconceptions around COVID are:

• The virus only attacks old and vulnerable
• The virus can be transmitted through pets
• Use of mouthwash, cigarettes, antibiotics or alcohol can kill COVID-19
• COVID-19 is a bioweapon targeted for specific groups
• Food items are contaminated and can spread the virus
• Only certain cultural or ethnic groups will be affected by the virus.

Fact Check - Covid

To deal with these, the World Health Organization recently issued an advisory busting these myths and misconceptions:

Fact # 1: COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates.

Fact # 2: Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the new coronavirus.

Fact # 3: Taking a hot bath does not prevent the new coronavirus disease.

Fact# 4: The new coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites.

Fact # 5: Hand dryers are not effective in killing the new coronavirus.

Fact # 6: Thermal scanners are only effective in detecting people who have developed a fever.

Fact # 7: Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body.

Fact # 8: Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus.

Fact # 9: There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with the new coronavirus.

Fact # 10: Eating garlic does not help prevent infection with the new coronavirus.

Fact # 11: People of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.

Fact # 12: Antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria.

We know that these times are difficult and it is important to take care of your mental and emotional health. Please read the data only from reliable sources. And here are some of the self-care tips for you to find calm and resilience within yourself.

Also, we have released free self-help tools for all to help people manage the stress of isolation and current health anxiety. You can download the app here.

If you are feeling lonely, and feel like venting it out - talk to WYSA. It is and will always be free.