13 coronavirus myths debunked by the World Health Organisation

Confirmed cases of the deadly coronavirus have now reached more than 75,600 across the globe, with the death toll in China reaching 2,126 as of today (20 Feb). Officially named Covid-19, the virus has been declared a “serious and imminent threat to public health” by the World Health Organisation (WHO), with new measures announced by the Department of Health last Monday (10 Feb) meaning those with the virus can now be forcibly quarantined. The new measures also state that those who are infected can be forcibly sent into isolation if they pose a threat to public health. Dispelling misinformation As coronavirus has spread, social media platforms have become swamped with unverified information about how to prevent contracting the virus, the WHO has warned. In an effort to dispel misinformation, the WHO has addressed the main myths surrounding coronavirus in an effort to provide the public with the correct advice. Listed are 13 coronavirus myths that have been circulating on social media debunked by the World Health Organisation: Hand dryers won’t kill coronavirus Hand dryers are not effective in killing the virus. To protect yourself, the WHO advises frequently washing your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub, or wash them with soap and water. Once cleaned, dry them thoroughly using paper towels or a warm air dryer. UV lamps shouldn’t be used An ultraviolet lamp should not be used to sterilise your hands, or other areas of skin, as UV radiation can cause skin irritation. Thermal scanners won’t always detect the virus Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have developed a fever because of infection with the new coronavirus. However, they cannot detect those who are infected, but are not yet sick with fever. This is because it takes between two and 10 days before people who are infected become sick and develop a fever. Spraying alcohol or chlorine over your body won’t kill coronavirus Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body, and contact with such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes (e.g. eyes and mouth). Alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations. Letters and packages received from China are safe People who receive a letter or package from China are not at risk of contracting coronavirus. The WHO said: “From previous analysis, we know coronaviruses do not survive long on objects, such as letters or packages.” Pets cannot be infected with coronavirus There is currently no evidence that companion animals, such as pet dogs or cats, can be infected with coronavirus. However, the WHO advises that you wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets, as this protects you against various common bacteria, such as E.coli and salmonella, that can pass between pets and humans. Vaccines against pneumonia do not protect against coronavirus (Photo: Shutterstock) Pneumonia vaccines won’t protect against the virus Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and haemophilus influenza type B (HIb) vaccine, do not provide protection against coronavirus, This is because the virus is so new that it needs its own vaccine. However, while these vaccines are not effective against coronavirus, vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect your health. Rinsing your nose with saline won’t prevent infection There is no evidence that regularly rinsing your nose with saline will protect you from infection. There is some limited evidence that doing so can help speed up the recovery from the common cold, but rinsing the nose has not been shown to prevent respiratory infections. Gargling mouthwash won’t protect you from infection There is no evidence that using mouthwash will protect you from infection with coronavirus. Some brands can eliminate certain microbes for a few minutes in the saliva in your mouth, but this does not mean it will protect you from a coronavirus infection. Eating garlic won’t protect you Garlic may have some antimicrobial properties, but there is no evidence from the current outbreak that consuming it will protect you from contracting coronavirus. Sesame oil won’t block coronavirus Sesame oil does not kill coronavirus and it will have little or no impact if you put it on your skin or under your nose. It can even be dangerous to put these chemicals on your skin. There are some chemical disinfectants that can kill coronavirus on surfaces, including bleach or chlorine-based disinfectants, either solvents, 75 per cent ethanol, peracetic acid and chloroform. Young people can get coronavirus People of all ages can be infected by coronavirus, although older people, and those with pre-existing medical conditions - such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease - appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill. The WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves against the virus, such as “by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.” Antibiotics won’t kill coronavirus Antibiotics do not work against viruses - only bacteria. As coronavirus is a viral infection, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment. However, if you are hospitalised for coronavirus, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.