Coronavirus: Myths versus Reality, Click to know

March 7: There is tons of misinformation floating around about the Covid-19 virus. As panic about the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, continues to spread worldwide, with several cases confirmed in the Houston area, so do the false claims about the epidemic. The amount of accurate and inaccurate information that’s circulating is so great that the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling it an “infodemic.” How do you know what’s true and what’s not? Here are some common myths, debunked.

Myth: There is a vaccine available to cure COVID-19: Unfortunately, there is not yet a vaccine available for the new coronavirus. Scientists have begun working on one, although it will take months to develop a vaccine that is safe and effective.

Myth: The new coronavirus was deliberately created and released: Officials believe the new coronavirus came to be after a virus that is common in an animals, such as a pig, bird or bat, underwent changes and passed it to humans.

Myth: Is it not safe to receive a letter or package from China: Based on previous analysis, WHO reported that the coronavirus does not survive long on objects. Thus, people receiving packages from China are not at risk of contracting the new coronavirus.

Myth: A face mask will protect you from COVID-19: For the general public, wearing disposable surgical masks is not recommended. They don’t fit tightly, making it possible for infected respiratory droplets of COVID-19 to get into the nose, mouth or eyes, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. What’s more, the current run on face masks is making it harder for people who truly need them to find them in stores. N 95 marks or higher range masks are recommended.

Myth: Hand dryers are effective in killing the new coronavirus: No, the heat from hand dryers is not effective in killing COVID-19. But to help protect yourself against the new coronavirus, you should frequently wash your hands with soap and water or clean them with an alcohol-based hand rub, according to WHO. And avoid shaking hands.

Myth: Taking a hot bath can prevent the new coronavirus disease: Taking a hot bath will not prevent you from catching COVID-19. Regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower, your normal body temperature remains at around 36.5°C to 37°C, WHO reported.

Myth: Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kills the new coronavirus: This is false. Spraying such substances on your body will not kill COVID-19. They can be harmful to your mucous membranes, including your eyes and mouth, according to WHO.