COVID-19 and the new coronavirus: Fact versus fiction

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COVID-19 and the new coronavirus: Fact versus fiction

Social media is awash with myths about how people might stop the new coronavirus

Published: March 18, 2020 09:28 Reuters and Christian Borbon, Senior Web Editor

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200318 fiction — Here are some facts to address the fiction Image Credit: Reuters

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200318 coronavirus — TRANSMISSION | Fiction: The new coronavirus can be spread by mosquito bites and in Chinese food. Image Credit: AP

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200318 corona — Fact: No. The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus that spreads primarily via droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes out, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. Image Credit: Reuters

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200318 nose — PROTECTION | Fiction: Regularly rinsing your nose with saline can prevent infection with COVID-19. Image Credit: Pexels

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200318 covid — Fact: No. There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people. There is some weak evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline can help some people recover more quickly from the common cold, but it does not prevent respiratory infections. Image Credit: AFP

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200318 water — Fiction: Some claims on social media suggest that spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body can protect against COVID-19 infection, or that gargling bleach or drinking excessive amounts of water can somehow "flush it out". Image Credit: Supplied

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200318 fact — Fact: There is no evidence to back these claims. Good hygiene practices including frequent hand washing and avoiding close social contact can help reduce the risk of infection. Image Credit: Supplied

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200318 corona — Fiction: Hand dryers are effective in killing the new coronavirus. Image Credit: Shutterstock

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200318 hand — Fact: No. Hand dryers are not effective against COVID-19, but frequently cleaning your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub, or washing them with soap and water is. Clean hands should be dried thoroughly with a clean towel or air dryer. Image Credit: Reuters

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200318 cold weather — Fiction: Cold weather, hot weather, snow, eating garlic or taking a hot bath have also been suggested as ways people can prevent themselves becoming infected. Image Credit: Supplied

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200318 fact or fiction — Fact: There is no evidence behind these claims and no evidence as yet to suggest that COVID-19 will be affected by weather or the seasons. The best way to protect yourself is by washing your hands frequently and avoiding contact with anyone who might be infected. This way, you can eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that might occur by touching your eyes, mouth and nose. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/ Gulf News

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200318 fiction masks — Fiction: You should wear a face mask at all times when outdoors. Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News

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200318 afcemasks — Fact: No. People who are healthy, have no symptoms and have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 need to wear a mask if they are taking care of a person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection. Masks are only effective if you are coughing or sneezing - in which case you should be self isolating - and only when used in combination with frequent hand-washing and other hygiene practices. Image Credit: Reuters

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200318 fiction — TREATMENT | Fiction: Antibiotics can prevent and treat the new coronavirus. Image Credit: Getty Images

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200318 paracetamol — Fact: Antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. They will not prevent or treat infection with the new coronavirus. There are currently no specific proven medicines for COVID-19 infection, but those infected can relieve and treat mild symptoms with over-the-counter fever-reducing medicines such as paracetamol and aspirin. Image Credit: AFP

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