The novel coronavirus has caused havoc around the globe, taking lives of thousands of people. This deadly virus is also spreading rapidly in India, the number of infected people is getting multiplied at a tremendous speed.
Things which are spreading with the same speed as that of the novel coronavirus in India are the myths and rumours associated with it. These myths are just as dangerous as the virus itself, as many of us are still believing these myths and risking our healths. Some of the most common myths about deadly COVID-19 in India are :-
1.) Exposing yourself to sun or higher temperature prevent the coronavirus(COVID-19) disease.
Fact:- No matter how sunny or hot the weather is, you can still get infected by the deadly COVID-19. You must clean your hands frequently and thoroughly to protect yourself, also avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.
2.) Taking the hot bath prevents the novel coronavirus disease.
Fact:-Taking the hot bath will not protect you from the threatening coronavirus. Your normal body temperature remains between 36 to 37 degree celsius, irrespective of the temperature of your bath or shower. On the contrary, taking a bath with extremely hot water can be harmful, as it can burn your skin.
3.) Eating garlic can prevent the infection of the novel coronavirus.
Fact:- Garlic is a healthy food for sure that may have some antimicrobial properties. Still, there is no evidence that eating garlic can prevent the infection of the novel coronavirus.
4.) The novel coronavirus can be transmitted through goods manufactured in China or any country reporting COVID-19 cases.
Fact:- Although it is true that the novel coronavirus can stay on the surfaces of the object for few hours or up to several days(depending on the type of object), but it is improbable that the virus will stay on the surface of object after being moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions.but still, as a safety measure you can use a disinfectant to clean it, also after touching it, clean your hands with alcohol based hand rub or a soap.
5.) Vaccines against pneumonia can protect you against the novel coronavirus.
Fact:- Vaccines against pneumonia such as pneumococcal vaccine and haemophilus vaccine do not provide protection against the novel coronavirus. The virus is so new and different that it needs it's own vaccine.
6.) COVID-19 can be transmitted through mosquito bites.
Fact:- The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spread primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. Till now, there has been no evidence that this virus could be transmitted by mosquitos.
7.) Drinking cow urine or applying cow dung protects from COVID-19.
Fact:- Drinking cow urine or applying cow dung does not protect you from the novel coronavirus. There has been no evidence that suggests that cow urine can cure or prevent the COVID-19.
8.) Drinking water every 15 minutes will flush out the coronavirus.
Fact:- The virus attacks the respiratory organs in our body, therefore pouring water down the food pipe will have no effect on it. Drink 8 glasses of water a day as a normal daily routine. Stay hydrated.
9.) Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body can protect against COVID-19.
Fact:- Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Beware that both alcohol and chlorine can be used to disinfect surfaces, but they should be used under appropriate recommendations.
10.) The novel coronavirus affects older people, younger people remain unaffected.
Fact:- People of all ages can be infected by the COVID-19. Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions(asthma, diabetes, heart disease etc.) appears to be more vulnerable to become critically ill with the deadly virus.
11.) Pet animals can transmit the COVID-19.
Fact:- There is no evidence that companion animals or pets such as cats and dogs can transmit the threatening coronavirus.
Conclusion:-
Instead of believing these myths or social media rumours we should follow these simple steps:-
1.) Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
2.) Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
3.) Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
4.) If you have fever, cough, and difficulty breathing seek medical care early - but call by phone first.
5.) Stay home, stay safe.
And most important, don't believe everything you see on social media, whether it is a recipe for treatment or some news (fake news).
11.) Pet animals can transmit the COVID-19.
Fact:- There is no evidence that companion animals or pets such as cats and dogs can transmit the threatening coronavirus.
Conclusion:-
Instead of believing these myths or social media rumours we should follow these simple steps:-
1.) Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
2.) Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
3.) Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
4.) If you have fever, cough, and difficulty breathing seek medical care early - but call by phone first.
5.) Stay home, stay safe.
And most important, don't believe everything you see on social media, whether it is a recipe for treatment or some news (fake news).