Explaining the common coronavirus myths

Today, a lot of myths regarding the coronavirus are circulating, especially on social media. Users keep on sharing information that is not guaranteed to be true. This has left a lot of people confused about what information they should believe in and what they should not. But in general, practicing social distancing and good hygiene are important to control the virus. If you are worried about being at risk of the disease, you can check out tools to assess your safety.

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In this article, we are going to clear some of the common myths associated with the COVID-19 disease. So if you want to know more, keep on reading!

Claim 1: Home remedies such as lemon juice, warm water, chlorine, and garlic can treat or prevent coronavirus infection.

This claim is not true because no evidence shows that these remedies can effectively fight any virus like the COVID-19. They are good sources of vitamins and other minerals for your body though and can help boost your immune system which in turn can help you protect you against the virus. 

Claim 2: A vaccine is already available for COVID-19.

Currently, no vaccine is available to protect you against the coronavirus. Though several trials are being done abroad, such as the U.S., experts say that it will take many months before these can be made available for all.

Claim 3: You need to wash your skin with alcohol or bleach to treat or prevent coronavirus infection. 

This is false. All you need is water and soap to cleanse your skin of bacteria and viruses. If you use harsh chemicals like alcohol or bleach (chlorine), you will harm your skin and yourself when you inhale vapors.

Claim 4: Disinfectants can treat the infection.

No, you cannot use disinfectants to treat any kind of infection. Do not ingest, inhale, or inject any disinfectant such as Lysol and bleach to treat your infection. This is extremely dangerous to your health.

Claim 5: You do not have the coronavirus disease if you are capable of holding your breath for up to ten seconds.

This is another false claim. A lot of coronavirus-infected people only have minor symptoms or do not show any symptoms at all (asymptomatic persons). But, these people can hold their breath for up to 10 seconds. On the flip side, many people (especially older ones) cannot hold their breath for ten seconds due to other reasons but they do not have this disease. Thus, the only method you need to do to make sure that you do not have the coronavirus is to get yourself tested.

Claim 6: UV light treats the infection.

It is true that UV light is used for killing viruses and bacteria on objects and surfaces but you cannot use it for treating infections in people. UV light causes burns, premature aging, and skin cancer. You should not use it to sterilize areas of your skin and your hands.

Claim 7: Your pets can spread COVID-19.

People can spread the new coronavirus to animals but there is no evidence showing that animals can spread the disease. But, we recommend treating your animals like you treat other people. Avoid contact with them until you are not ill anymore.

Claim 8: Everyone should be wearing face masks in public areas.

Initially, front-liners were only the ones who were supposed to wear face masks and they were not recommended for people who are not sick. But this changed when it was shown that even people who do not exhibit symptoms can still transmit the virus. So yes, everyone should wear face masks when going out to public places aside from practicing social distancing. SoMedicalSupplies can supply you with high-quality face masks.

Claim 9: Rinsing your nose using a saline spray or solution can prevent COVID-19.

No evidence shows that regular rinsing of your nose using a saline spray or solution can protect you from the coronavirus infection. Evidence showing quick recovery from a common cold by rinsing your nose with a saline solution is only limited. But, it has not been shown that regular rinsing can prevent respiratory infections.

Claim 10: Zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin D can help in treating or preventing COVID-19.

Again, no evidence has been found that zinc, vitamin C, or vitamin D are effective for fighting any type of virus like the coronavirus. Overdosing yourself with minerals and vitamins may pose danger to your health. Calcium might build up in your body and impair your organs like your kidneys, intestines, and brain.

Claim 11: Silver-containing preparations, like colloidal silver, helps in treating or preventing COVID-19.

It is true that silver has natural antibiotic properties but no evidence shows that silver-containing preparations can be used against the coronavirus. Silver is toxic to your kidneys and brain.

Conclusion

Now that we have cleared some of the most common myths you hear about COVID-19 nowadays, it is now up to you to make the proper decisions. Do not use any random solution or preparation to treat the disease because you might harm yourself instead. It is still advisable to consult a doctor if you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms before doing anything.

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