Coronavirus has become a pandemic and has infected over 10 lakh people worldwide out of which almost 60 thousand people have already lost their lives. The deadly virus is said to have originated in Wuhan, China in December last year and soon reached to almost 200 countries around the globe.
With such a widespread there have been lots of rumours and myths build around this deadly virus, we are going to inform what is true and how the myths may fool you.
- Flu Vaccines do not work against Coronavirus. A vaccine is yet to be invented for this virus, so anyone telling you something else is lying.
- Standing outside in the Sun will not kill the virus, nor will hot baths or hand dryers.
- Regular rinsing your nose with a saline solution may help you recover from a common cold but it will not impact COVID-19.
- As per the research that has been conducted, COVID-19 will get transmitted everywhere, even in the humid and hot areas. Also Cold temperatures and snow cannot kill this virus either.
Also Read: Life of COVID-19 On Different Surfaces
- As the WHO (World Health Organisation) tells, this virus will not be transmitted from mosquitoes. So do not panic.
- Drinking lots of water will be healthy, but will not flush out the virus. Also, eating ice-cream to freeze the virus, it is also not possible. Other than brain freeze and a potential cold, you will yield nothing.
- Consuming Vitamins and Herbal supplements may enhance your immunity, but they will not protect you from contracting this virus.
Also Read: Top 8 Super Herbs List To Boost Your Immunity
- Spraying your hands with alcohol or drinking alcohol will not kill virus. The alcohol such as Whiskey or Vodka does not have enough alcohol content to kill the virus, and drinking will not help either, instead, it could be dangerous.
- Ultraviolet (UV) lamps should not be used on the skin to sterilize yourself as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.
- The WHO also says that being able to hold the breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing or feeling discomfort DOES NOT mean you are free from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) or any other lung disease as a matter of fact.
What Are Doctors Advising?
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and doctors around the globe say that an alcohol based sanitiser with greater than 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol should be used also periodic hand wash with soap is advised for every person.
- Avoid sharing utensils
- Avoid touching your face with bare hands
- Practise social distancing
- Stay at least 1 meter (2.36 feet) from others and people coughing or sneezing
- Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or a tissue while Sneeze/ Cough, or with your elbow.
- Do not self medicate. Consult a doctor as soon as you develop COVID-19 Symptoms.
Also Read: Coronavirus Outbreak: Symptoms And How To Stay Protected From The Virus
COVID-19
The novel coronavirus has a long incubation period, and according to WHO a person can take up to 14 days to show symptoms of this deadly virus. This longer incubation period has made it harder for the authorities and the health professionals to contain the asymptomatic carriers.
Though the death rate of COVID-19 is less than that of MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) however it is deadlier than Influenza also, the rate at which it spreads is faster than all 3 of them.
Also Read: Coronavirus: Influenza’s Mortality Rate Lower Than COVID-19 Say WHO
Symptoms Of COVID-19
- Headache
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Shortness of Breath
- Muscle Pain
- Coughing
- Breathing Difficulties
Severe Symptoms
- Pneumonia
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
- Kidney Failure
When Will It Become A Big Problem For India?
If the deadly virus makes way to community spread level in a country with over 130 crore population, containing or even treating it completely will become impossible. No country in the world has such infrastructure which can cater so people at once, however India is ahead and working on many things.
How It Becomes Fatal
The virus latches itself to the lung cells which then block debris, bacteria and dust particles. When the virus latches itself with the lung, the lungs swell up and begin to hold back fluid which makes the breathing difficult.