Corona Myths and Facts – All You Need to Know

Covid-19 disease is a novel, infectious disease caused by a virus. In an average healthy adult corona causes mild to moderate respiratory illness and is treatable. With older patients where co-morbid conditions like heart risk or kidney trouble exist , it makes the corona infection symptoms more severe. While there is news about Corona on a daily basis, it is becoming increasingly difficult to segregate corona myths and facts.

Naming of COVID-19

The virus was previously being mentioned as novel corona virus since it was a completely new virus from the family of viruses causing severe respiratory illnesses. Later the name was changed to COVID-19

How does Covid-19 Spread?

It is important to understand how to take care of yourself to safe-guard yourself and your family from corona virus. Covid – 19 spreads through the droplets released from nose and mouth of an infected person. When these droplets reach the person close by, he also gets infected. The easiest way to prevent an infection is washing your hands regularly with soap or alcohol based sanitisers thoroughly. All the details that you need to know are here.

If you feel like sneezing, practice sneezing into your flexed elbow. This effectively contains the spread of the virus.

WHO guideline

Symptoms of Covid-19

Covid-19 impacts different people in different ways. The most common symptoms appear to be

• Dry Cough
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Tiredness

Lesser Known symptoms

• Headache
• Joint pain
• Diarrhoea
• Conjuctivitis
• Loss of taste or smell

If you suspect you have the symptoms, self-isolate to protect yourself and the rest of your family. If the symptoms persist, contact a medical professional as early as possible.

Uncertainty-Corona Myths and Facts

Since this is a new type of virus, there are no concrete treatments or medicines yet. The more we get to know about the different strains, the more effective treatment plans will be. Nevertheless there are numerous clinical trials in progress and in due course all the leading scientists are confident of coming up with an effective treatment plan for Covid 19.

While panic and stress has set in with the news surrounding this pandemic in various news mediums including social media, the confusion lies in the difficulty to separate the corona myths from facts. This panic has only fuelled more corona myths than actual facts.

So I’m going to focus on busting this myths one by one. All these are based on authoritative guidelines of the World Health Organisation.

Corona Myths Vs Facts

Myth #1: Corona is a bacteria

The name itself is called Virus. The corona virus belongs to the family of viruses called Coronaviridae. Bacterial infections can be caused in the later stages based on this viral attack. It is an additional complication and not the root cause.

Myth #2 : 5G mobile networks spread Covid-19

Corona does not spread on mobile networks. It only depends on the proximity to the infected person. Also there are covid cases in countries without 5G.

Myth #3: Wearing mask is important during exercise

You should not wear any kind of mask during physical training. Enough oxygen will not reach the lungs during strenuous sessions like running, weight lifting or any other physical strain. There have been incidents of lungs collapsing due to this grave error. If you decide to step out, physical distancing is the only way.

Take advantage of the home gym. That way you can still exercise and stay out of harm’s way.

Here is a simple and effective home workout.

Myth #4: Infection spreads via footwear

Normally we leave foot wear outside before entering the house because shoes or slippers might carry unwanted micro-organisms. Babies and children are at a higher risk since they spend a lot of time on the floor. Other than that there is no proof that Covid is linked to footwear.

Myth #5: Prolonged use of medical mask is harmful

Medical masks even during prolonged usage do not cut off the necessary oxygen supply that is needed for the human body. Wearing any kind of mask for a long time will result in physical discomfort to a certain degree. Other than that there is nothing to worry about.

Myth #6: Most Covid-19 patients die

On the contrary most patients who are infected show only mild to moderate symptoms which means they recover fully with supportive care. In case you have any of the Covid symptoms, contact a doctor right away.

Myth #7: Thermal Scanners can detect Corona Virus

Thermal scanners are used to check if a person has a high body temperature. It only shows fever and not the corona virus or bacteria responsible for the fever.

Myth #8: Hydroxychloroqhine can cure Covid-19

There are no concrete treatment plans for Covid as yet. There are a lot of trials going on with various drugs all over the world. In that vein, hydroxychloroquine is a contender and not an actual cure for Corona.

Myth #9: Intake of disinfectants are effective against Corona

Ethanol, Methanol, Bleach should all be used to clean your home and surrounding area. Spraying them on your body, inhaling or intake of any of the above products are pure poison to your body. Never ever try that!

Myth #10: Corona virus cannot spread in hot/humid climate

Countries which have hot and humid climates have been reporting corona cases as well. There is no proof that higher temperatures will prevent this virus.

Myth #11: Mosquitoes/ House flies spread this disease

There is absolutely no proof for the mosquitoes or houseflies being the disease vectors for Covid-19.

Myth #12: UV rays can disinfect the body effectively

UV rays can case serious harm to your body. They can irritate the skin or damage the eyes. Soap and water are safe, easy and quick disinfectants against Corona virus.

Myth #13: Pneumonia Vaccine can treat Corona

This virus is a completely new virus and different from all the viruses of the past. That is why clinical trials are proceeding for a new vaccine. Earlier vaccines are vaccines for respiratory illnesses but not for Corona.

Myth #14: Garlic/Pepper is effective against Covid-19

Garlic and Pepper are powerful spices against disease causing micro-organisms in a very general way. There are no direct links between such spices and Corona.

However regular intake of these spices naturally build immunity.

Myth #15: Corona infects older people easily

Older people are more vulnerable to this disease because their existing health conditions, complicate the detection and treatment further. Other than that , Covid-19 infects the younger people too. Babies can also be infected. The only way against it is social distancing and washing your hands regularly with soap.

Now you know all the key points of corona myths and facts. Act accordingly and spread the word.

Disclaimer: This article is for your general knowledge about Corona myths and facts and is not a substitute for the opinions of a domain expert or a medical practitioner. Please contact a doctor for all your queries regarding Corona.

To know more on Corona myths and facts, visit the WHO site.

Stay Safe! Do you know any other corona myths I have left out here? Feel free to share it in the comments!