As the new coronavirus continues to spread across the globe, so does misinformation surrounding it. While Costa Rica does not yet have a confirmed or suspicious case, Health authorities are not taking it for granted, prepared for its arrival – sooner or later.
It’s true that there is still a lot to be learned. There are many things we do know about this incredibly infectious and sometimes deadly disease that originated in Wuhan, China, it in terms of how it can and can’t be spread and prevented.
Still, that hasn’t stopped myth. The World Health Organization (WHO) decided to debunk all of those falsehoods. Knowledge is power, especially when we may be on the brink of a pandemic.
Here’s what you need to know about the myths surrounding COVID-19—and what the experts have to say about them.
Myth #1: Hand dryers can kill the new coronavirus
No. Hand dryers are not effective in killing the 2019-nCoV. To protect yourself against the new coronavirus, you should frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Once your hands are cleaned, you should dry them thoroughly by using paper towels or a warm air dryer.
Myth #2: An ultraviolet disinfection lamp can kill the new coronavirus
UV lamps should not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.
Myth #3: Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people infected with the new coronavirus
Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have developed a fever (i.e. have a higher than normal body temperature) because of infection with the new coronavirus.
However, they cannot detect people who are infected but are not yet sick with fever. This is because it takes between 2 and 10 days before people who are infected become sick and develop a fever.
Myth #4: Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body can kill the new coronavirus
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). Be aware that both alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations.
Myth #5: It isn’t safe to receive a letter or a package from China
Yes, it is safe. People receiving packages from China are not at risk of contracting the new coronavirus. From previous analysis, we know coronaviruses do not survive long on objects, such as letters or packages.
Myth #6: Pets can spread the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
At present, there is no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus. However, it is always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets. This protects you against various common bacteria such as E.coli and Salmonella that can pass between pets and humans.
Myth #7: Pneumonia vaccines can protect you against the new coronavirus
Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus.
The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine against 2019-nCoV, and WHO is supporting their efforts.
Although these vaccines are not effective against 2019-nCoV, vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect your health.
Myth #8: Regularly rinsing your nose with saline can help prevent infection with the new coronavirus
No. There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with the new coronavirus.
There is some limited evidence that regularly rinsing nose with saline can help people recover more quickly from the common cold. However, regularly rinsing the nose has not been shown to prevent respiratory infections.
Myth #9: Eating garlic can help prevent infection with the new coronavirus
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 #10: Putting on sesame oil can block the new coronavirus from entering the body
No. Sesame oil does not kill the new coronavirus. There are some chemical disinfectants that can kill the 2019-nCoV on surfaces. These include bleach/chlorine-based disinfectants, either solvents, 75% ethanol, peracetic acid and chloroform.
However, they have little or no impact on the virus if you put them on the skin or under your nose. It can even be dangerous to put these chemicals on your skin.
Myth #11: The new coronavirus only affects older people
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.
WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.
Myth #12: Antibiotics are effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus
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.
However, if you are hospitalized for the 2019-nCoV, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.
Myth #13: There are specific medicines to prevent or treat the new coronavirus
To date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
However, those infected with the virus should receive appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms, and those with severe illness should receive optimized supportive care. Some specific treatments are under investigation, and will be tested through clinical trials. WHO is helping to accelerate research and development efforts with a range or partners.
