Coronavirus Outbreak: Know the Myths and the Facts of COVID-19 Released by WHO

Amid the global coronavirus pandemic, various myths and fake news have been circulated in the internet and human mind regarding the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) which are totally baseless and scientifically not yet proven. The World Health Organization has recently come up with myth-buster regarding Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and differentiates the myth with reality. Moreover, it has advised the public to not rely on such fake news and myth that are circulating on the internet and to take the safety measures from reliable sources.  

As per reports, the number of novel Coronavirus (2019-Ncov) cases has globally stood at 163,930 with 6,420 deaths, across 141 countries at 10:30 PM, Sunday, says the recent reports. On the other hand, India has recently reported 110 confirmed cases of Coronavirus with two deaths as of 11:30 PM on Sunday, March 15.  

WHO has released the myth-buster regarding Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and differentiate the myth and the reality.  

Myth- COVID-19 virus can’t survive in hot and humid climates. 

Reality- COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates. 

From the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather. Regardless of climate, adopt protective measures if you live in, or travel to an area reporting COVID-19. 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. 

Myth- Taking a hot bath can prevent the new coronavirus disease 

Reality- Taking a hot bath does not prevent the new coronavirus disease 

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. 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. 

Myth- The new coronavirus CAN be transmitted through mosquito bites. 

Reality- The new coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites. 

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. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Also, avoid close contact with anyone who is coughing and sneezing. 

Myth- Eating garlic may help to prevent infection with the new coronavirus. 

Reality- No Evidence has found yet to justify that eating garlic may help to 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- Cold weather and snow CAN kill the new coronavirus. 

Reality- Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the new coronavirus. 

There is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill new coronavirus or other diseases. The normal human body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the external temperature or weather. The most effective way to protect yourself against the new coronavirus is by frequently cleaning your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or washing them with soap and water. 

WHO also comes up with the answers to some general questions that people are curious to know. 

Does the new coronavirus affect older people, or are younger people also susceptible? 

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. 

Are there any 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.