Myths and Misconception on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Myth is a widely held but false belief or idea, whereas misconception views or opinions that are incorrect based on faulty thinking or understanding. In a panicked state and fear many myths have arisen ranging from how the virus is spread, prevented and cured.
But here are some of the facts to counter and inform you and help in enhancing your knowledge and preparedness in regards to the Coronavirus outbreak.
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) is the deadliest virus known to mankind.
Even though Corona has been declared a Pandemic and appears to be more serious than influenza. Other viruses such as Ebola have higher mortality rates. Compared to Coronavirus only 1 patient out of 3 survives when Ebola strikes.
- Antibiotics can kill Coronavirus
Antibiotics are used to prevent and cure some other types of bacteria compared to the case of corona which is a virus.
- Cats and Dogs spread Coronavirus
The World Health Organization has announced that they are no evidence supporting this myth. However, in Hongkong when the owner of the dog had COVID-19 the dog did not show any symptoms.
- Parcels from China can spread Coronavirus
The new Coronavirus can survive in stainless steel for 72hours and 24hours on cardboard. There is no evidence supporting this claim but on the case of previous research coronaviruses that cause SARS and MERS that are similar to CoV-2 stated that the virus cannot survive for extended time on letter or packages.
- Garlic protects against Coronavirus
The Garlic plant has antibiotic properties, there is no evidence of it protecting you from the virus. As said early coronavirus is a virus and antibiotics kill bacteria. Incase the virus is in your body; some homemade remedy cannot help. Research advise washing of hands as a mean of prevention. The vaccines for the new coronavirus have not been found and can even be found after a year, so take the necessary precautions.
- Only older adults, the younger and non-Africans are in the risk of getting infected with the virus
Although the older and younger are more at risk the virus has no age limits. It attacks everyone from previous cases reported in different part of the world. Any person that comes into contact with a COVID-2 patient in at risk of being infected.
The myth about the virus not affecting Africans is highly dismissed now with the virus has found its foot hold in African with more than 30 states confirming new cases.
- Everyone with COVID-19 dies
More than 68,000 people have recovered from the illness this is according to the World Health Organization. Most people who were infected generally exhibit mild illness then and recover in about two weeks. For those with weakened immune the virus can cause more respiratory problems but recovery is still evident in some of them.
- Alcohol on skin and drinking kills viruses
Alcohol on the skin can be very harmful to the body, especially if it enters the eyes. Although it can be used to disinfect surfaces, Alcohol cannot kill viruses inside the body.
- Hand dryers kill Coronavirus
This is not scientifically proven; the stronger shell enables it to move and be transmitted from one person to another as in the case of the warm climate in Austria. The virus can only be prevented by practicing coughing and healthy hygiene.
From this research it is evident that some of the practices being done on coronavirus are misconceptions and should be avoided and replaced with health practices. Regular washing of hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub, avoid large gatherings and stay home if you feel unwell.
- The origin of COVID-19
A popularized version of this myth outside China, explains that the new virus originated from a lab in China as a result of a bio-weapon that was being manufactured. It claims that one of the many test tubes fell and broke leading to the contamination of the researchers then followed by massive transmissions.
Experts are trying to figure out the real source of the virus and dismissed any other claim, as researchers indicate the virus likely originated from a bat, then another immediate host before jumping to humans.
- Masks protect people from the virus
In contrast to this belief most researches belief the mask offers higher risk of infection if not worn properly. The likelihood of touching the face while putting on the mask or removing it makes one prone to infection. Thus, one should wear if only you are directly dealing with the patients, those with the new Coronavirus or health workers.
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