COVID-19 Myths Debunked
So, 2020 introduced the novel Coronavirus to the world and 2021 gave no respite; instead, there is a surge of infection across the globe and the number of deaths has shot up to approximately 1.75million. Looks like it is here for a long haul and the future relies on a lot of “unknowns”.
It is seen that the pandemic is not augmenting in the same way from place to place. On one hand people have gotten used to this “new normal” but there is still a large section of the society that is still worried and are ready to take any measures to prevent or remain unaffected by the virus.
Well, despite a year having passed, there are still a lot of myths floating around about COVID-19.
It has become very difficult to tell fact from fiction. WhatsApp forwards, social media feeds, Facebook etc circulate a lot of misinformation that can cause paranoia and can also make anyone attempt something dangerous in an effort to prevent from getting infected.
In such circumstances, it would be wise to do your own research. Try gathering information from trusted medical sites and NEWS sites. And before you decide to share a forward or story with people, kindly check its accuracy first and only then pass on the information.
This article is an attempt to debunk these Covid-19 myths.
Covid-19 only affects the older age group.
This we have been hearing since the time the virus made its debut in 2020 (or late 2019) and this is NOT TRUE.
Coronaviruses do not discriminate and can infect anyone. In fact, WHO has recently brought to light a condition associated with children and adolescents known as MIS-C (multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children) which share some common features with toxic shock syndrome and Kawasaki Disease.
With that being said, the elderly with co-morbidities or some serious underlying health conditions are at greater risk and their condition often gets serious.
Masks do not protect from COVID-19.
THEY DO.
However, it is important that one wears the mask correctly, covering both the nose and mouth areas with no gaps on the sides or under the chin.
The main purpose of the mask is preventing one from spreading the infection; especially when it comes to asymptomatic carriers. Since many stores, restaurants and public places have opened, maintaining this protocol has become difficult.
Suggesting that you stay home seems nonviable. So, when you decide to go out, be responsible; protect yourself and others as well.
Home remedies can protect you from the virus.
FALSE
Why exactly do you think that the doctors and scientists all over the world are desperately trying to develop a vaccine?
If home remedies like drinking herbal teas, using garlic, turmeric, ginger water etc could save you from the virus then why the wait for a vaccine? What is the need for the trials?
Home remedies will not prevent you from getting infected. Keep yourself protected by sanitizing or washing your hands properly and maintain social distancing. Act responsibly!
Drinking warm/hot water will flush the virus from your throat.
NOT CORRECT
There is no evidence whatsoever that drinking hot/warm water will kills the virus or flushes it down your throat. Hot water is sure to burn your throat.
The best thing to do would be to use that warm water and soap to wash your hands! That surely would protect you from getting infected by COVID-19.
COVID-19 virus cannot survive in warm weather.
WRONG.
Unlike other kinds of flu that are known to drop out during the warmer months, COVID-19 does not quite abide by that rule.
In fact, many places have experienced a spike during the summers.
If I have gotten infected once, I am immune.
PROBABLY INACCURATE
Since this is a newer kind of virus, we do not have sufficient data/evidence to prove this. Yes, the body does develop some immunity but that’s not for life.
Moreover, we have even lesser information about the latest mutated strains.
Hand Dryers can kill the COVID-19 virus.
NO, THEY DON’T
They simply dry your hands.
If you wish to be protected against the SARS-Co-V-2, wash your hands with soap for at least 20 secs or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Rinsing the nose with saline water can protect you from infection.
NO EVIDENCE
According to some research, rinsing the nose with saline water might offer some relief or ease the discomfort of upper respiratory tract infection. However, there is no evidence that this reduces the risk of infection.
Flu shots or Pneumonia vaccines can protect from COVID-19 infection.
FALSE
The nature of SARS-Co-V-2 is different from the other viruses.
Apart from the vaccines that are specifically designed for COVID-19, no other vaccines can protect you from the virus.
The Virus was created in a lab in China.
COMPLETE LACK OF EVIDENCE
As of now, this is just a rumour and there is no proof that this strain was lab created.
In some recent articles, it is suggested that this virus is a product of evolution.
Certain research claims that this virus was transmitted from pangolins to humans while another research points at the possibility that it was transmitted from bats, just like SARS.
Alcohol consumption reduces the risk of COVID-19 infection.
WE WOULD LOVE TO BELIEVE THAT, WOULD’T WE? BUT PLEASE DON’T!!!
The first thing to bear in mind is that alcohol disinfects the skin, but when it goes inside the body, its effect changes.
Another (very) important point to bear in mind: according to a study, excessive consumption of alcohol weakens the immune system, thereby reducing its ability to fight/cope with other infectious diseases. Also, alcohol has been correlated with several other health disorders which can act as co-morbidities when it comes to the SARS-Co-V-2 and makes the body more vulnerable.
5G enables the spread of SARS-Co-V-2
A COMPLETE MYTH
The recent emergence of this myth was in accordance with a paper that was published in 2011. In that article, the writer infers that bacteria can communicate through electromagnetic waves. However, people who believe in this theory seem to forget the fact that SARS-Co-V-2 is a virus!
Not a bacterium!
And if you see, several other countries, which have very little 5G coverage, have been seriously impacted by the pandemic.
Antibiotics are effective in killing the virus, and this may prevent or cure the infection.
FALSE
They only effectively kill bacteria; have no effect on the virus whatsoever.
Vitamin D Supplement can prevent COVID-19.
LACKS PROOF
This myth came into light when certain studies pointed out that a high mortality rate was observed in people with low Vitamin D levels. But, that literally does not mean lower levels of Vitamin D, is the cause of death or the disease.
There is also no definite proof that taking Vitamin D supplements can prevent COVID-19.
Vitamin D plays a vital role in strengthening one’s immune system and lowers the risk of respiratory disorders, which means that this supplement might reduce “the severity” of the COVID-19 infection.
Reading and following such unsupported claims or myths can prove to be dangerous as people might start taking the supplement and develop a false sense of security.
Mentioned above are some of the myths out there! Did I miss any? Do drop us a line! Stay safe.
