10 Additional Myths about Coronavirus Debunked

Coronavirus 2019 is still on a rise with more than 11,500,000 cases around the world and almost 46,000 cases in the country.

I wrote few months ago on the 30 Myths about Coronavirus 2019 and there are still a lot of additional myths that were not totally proven by adequate studies.

Additional Myths about Cornavirus Debunked

photo courtesy of pixabay : camera-man-16096197

10.) Insects, Mosquitoes and Flies are carriers of COVID 2019

Fact: There is no indication that house flies, insects or even mosquitoes can transmit the virus either through a bite or by landing on an infected surface. Always clean and disinfect ourselves whenever we hold anything or before eating.

9.) Ultra Violet Disinfection lamp can kill the virus , There are several UV disinfection lamps for sale posted in social media sites, online and stores.

Fact: There are no concrete study that having UV disinfection lamp can kill the virus. Aside from being expensive, UV radiation can cause skin irritation and can be harmful to eyes. UV lamps should not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of skin.

8.) Taking antibiotics can kill coronavirus 2019

Fact: Antibiotics kill bacteria, but they don’t kill viruses.

7.) Drinking cow, dog or human urine can protect a person from contracting the virus

Fact: Cow, human or dog urine has long been promoted as a traditional remedy for various diseases in China, India and even in the Philippines , but there is no medical evidence or study to show that urine can help protect a person against contracting virus.

6.) Wearing of medical mask can cause suffocation and can cause CO2 intoxication.

Fact: There were some rumors and pseudo facts which circulated in many online sites that  wearing a face covering can cause you to breathe in too much carbon dioxide or limit your ability to get enough oxygen.

There were some people who wore N95 mask have experienced difficulty in breathing since some of them have asthma or had pre-exsisting respiratory disease. Tiny particles can accumulate inside of the mask over the course of several hours of continued use. But it does not affect breathing.

According to World Health Organization (WHO) and Department of Health (DOH), there are no truth with the rumors posted in various social media.

Photo courtesy of: pixabay richardmc-1834381

4.) One can get coronavirus 2019  in swimming pools

Fact: According to the World Health Organization ( WHO) and experts, there is no evidence to suggest that SARS-CoV-2 spreads between people through the water in swimming pools, hot tubs, or water playgrounds.

World Health Organization

3.) 5G helps spread the Covid 2019 virus thru air waves and using mobile phones.

Fact: In many areas of the globe,5G mobile technology is quickly catching-up. Plus there is no such truth with the rumors. There are a lot of areas without 5G technology that COVID 2019 virus had spread.

3.)  Can Hydroxychloroquinecure COVID-19?

Fact: There is no proven cure for COVID-19, but most people will recover on their own without needing professional medical care. The misuse of hydroxychloroquine can cause serious side effects and illness and even lead to death.

It is important to follow official government advice and get information only from reliable sources like the World Health Organization (WHO) and Department of Health (DOH ), Center for Disease Control (CDC) among others.

2.) Eating pepper of chilies can prevent or cure Covid 2019.

Fact: Eating pepper or chilies cannot prevent or cure COVID-19. This was clarified in a post in the website of World Health Organization (WHO).

1.) ” Tuob” or steam inhalation as means to help contain the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This was posted and shared several times in different social media, online sites and some government officials in the south had encourage their constituents.

Facts: Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a June 25 virtual presser that there is “no scientific evidence that steam inhalation kills the SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19).”

The Philippine Medical Association (PMA), an umbrella organization of physicians in the country, denounced Garcia for her “dangerous claims and insults” to medical members who disagreed with her advocacy for tuob.

Here are some of the tips given by Center for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), Department of Health (DOH-Philippines), John Hopkins and University of the Philippines.

1.) Social distancing and give at least 1 meter distance from people.

2.) Wash you hands frequently with soap, water for at least 20 to 30 seconds. Try to complete the song ” Happy Birthday ” two times!

3.) Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth and observe good hygiene.

4.) Cover your cough or sneeze with tissue then properly dispose the tissue in trash or sneeze into your elbow.

5.) Avoid spitting anywhere.

6.) Clean and disinfect frequently.

7.) Stay at Home.

Sources and References: Department of Health ( Philippines), John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center ( John Hopkins University), World Health Organization, Center of Disease Control (CDC), University of the Philippines,Philippine Medical Assoication, Hong Kong’s Agriculture Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), CNN Philippine interview, PCOO, personal interviews with several health care professionals and epidemiologist.

Advertisement