Kathmandu, March 20
As the death from coronavirus has reached over 10,000 cases above 160 countries various myths are taking tolls. But the facts are something different. We have tried to burst some myths of COVID-19.
MYTH: COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates.
FACT: From the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather.

 

MYTH: Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the new coronavirus.
FACT: There is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill the new coronavirus or other diseases.

MYTH: Taking a hot bath does not prevent the new coronavirus disease.

FACT: Taking a hot bath will not prevent you from catching COVID-19. Your normal body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower. Actually, taking a hot bath with extremely hot water can be harmful, as it can burn you.

MYTH: The new coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites.
FACT: To date there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes. The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose.

 

MYTH: Are hand dryers effective in killing the new coronavirus?

FACT: No. Hand dryers are not effective in killing the 2019-nCoV.

MYTH: Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the new coronavirus?
FACT: No. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth).

MYTH: Do vaccines against pneumonia protect you against the new coronavirus?
FACT: No. Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus.

MYTH: Can regularly rinsing your nose with saline help prevent infection with the new coronavirus?
FACT: No. There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with the new coronavirus.

MYTH: Can eating garlic help prevent infection with the new coronavirus?
FACT: Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from the new coronavirus.

 

MYTH: Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus?
FACT: No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria.
The new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment.

 

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.
The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently cleaning your hands. By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose. (source: World Health Organisation)