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In an age that is largely dominated by social media, disinformation has generally fed to some myths around coronavirus.
Below, the World Health Organisation debunks some of the largely circulated myths.
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Taking a hot bath prevents coronavirus infection. Taking a hot bath will not prevent you from catching Covid-19. The best way to protect yourself against the disease is by frequently cleaning your hands, which prevents infection that could occur by touching your eyes, mouth and nose.
Coronavirus can be transmitted by mosquitoes
There has been no information or evidence to suggest 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.
Hand dryers can kill coronavirus
No! Hand dryers are not effective in killing the Covid-19.
An ultraviolet (UV) disinfection lamp can kill the virus
UV lamps should not be used to sterilise hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.
How effective are thermal scanners in detecting infection?
Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have developed a fever (for example, 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 because it takes between two and 10 days before people who are infected become sick and develop a fever.
Spraying alcohol or chlorine kills the new coronavirus
No! Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Both alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations.
Pets can spread coronavirus
At present, there is no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus.
Eating garlic helps prevent the disease
There is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from the new coronavirus.
Antibiotics are effective in preventing and treating the virus
No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. 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. — who.int
Online Reporter