The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published a list of common myths and facts about COVID-19. Here are 13 of the most common misconceptions and truths.
COVID-19 can be transmitted in hot and humid climates
FACT
•The coronavirus can be transmitted in ALL climates
Cold weather and snow cannot kill the coronavirus
FACT
•Regardless of outside temperature, the human body remains between 97.7 - 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit
Taking a hot bath does not prevent the virus
FACT
•Regardless of water temperature, the human body remains between 97.7 - 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit
The coronavirus can be spread through mosquito bites
MYTH
•COVID-19 is a respiratory virus, which is transmitted through droplets expelled from sneezing or coughing
Thermal scanners are effective in detecting a fever
FACT
•Thermal scanners can detect a fever
•However, they cannot detect those who are sick and have not yet developed a fever •This is because it takes between 2-10 days to develop a fever after becoming infected
Spraying alcohol and chlorine all over your body will kill the virus
MYTH
•Spraying alcohol and chlorine all over your body will not kill the viruses that have already entered your body
•Spraying harsh chemicals on your body can damage your skin, but can be used on hard surfaces in the home etc.
Pneumonia vaccines protect against the coronavirus
MYTH
•COVID-19 is so new and different, it needs its own vaccine
Rinsing your nose with saline will help prevent infection
MYTH
•Rinsing your nose with saline can help you recover more quickly from the common cold, but not from COVID-19
Eating garlic will help prevent COVID-19
MYTH
•Garlic may have antimicrobial properties
•However, there is no evidence that it may prevent COVID-19
Anyone can get COVID-19
FACT
•Anyone can be infected by the coronavirus
•However, older people and people with preexisting health conditions such as asthma and heart disease are more susceptible
Antibiotics prevent and treat COVID-19
MYTH
•Antibiotics do not work against viruses
•Antibiotics only work against bacteria •However, if you are hospitalized with COVID-19, you may be prescribed antibiotics because co-infection is possible
Ultraviolet light can kill the coronavirus
MYTH
•UV light can cause irritation and should not be used to disinfect your hands
There are no medicines to prevent or treat COVID-19
FACT
•To date, there are no specific recommendations for the coronavirus
