You can fight something only when you know the enemy. So keep a tab of all latest happenings and advancements on the virus to stay safe. The day the virus was known to the world, experts were studying ways of how it was spreading and it could spread in the future.
Myth: The acid in our stomach is enough to kill the virus.
Fact: Most viruses can survive the exposure to stomach acids.
The novel coronavirus affects our respiratory tract, leading to difficulty in breathing which is a characteristic symptom of COVID-19. The stomach has no role to play with the virus and neither the acid in the stomach.
Myth: High temperature kills the virus
Fact: Exposing yourself to the sun or temperatures higher than 25C degrees will not prevent you from COVID-19
You can catch COVID-19, no matter how hot temperatures are. There are countries with hot weather with several reported cases of COVID-19.
Myth: The Indians have a better immune system than the west
Fact: No, India ranks 128th in the world in terms of life expectancy, which simply shows how bad our immune system is.
The influenza pandemic of 1918 hit India the hardest out of the countries of the world, with between 5 – 10% of Indians dying from it. Every new virus brings along its challenges, it doesn’t seem likely that there should be any component of immunity that might protect Indians but not others.
Myth: It is not likely to affect the youth
Fact: All need to follow precautionary steps or physical distancing
This virus might not affect you but can easily be transferred to the people around you with weaker immunity. Young and healthy people can also be affected by the disease leading to fatal consequences.
Myth: You are safe if you can hold your breath for 10 seconds
Fact: No, it is not true that you are coronavirus safe if you can hold your breath
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are dry cough, tiredness and fever. The best way to confirm if you have the virus-producing COVID-19 disease is with a laboratory test. No breathing exercise can confirm the same.
Myth: Mosquito bites can transmit the disease
Fact: Coronavirus cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites
No evidence suggests that the virus can be transmitted by mosquitoes. It is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose.
Myth: Consumption of ginger and garlic prevents Coronavirus
Fact: No eating garlic or ginger can’t help prevent infection
There is no evidence to support the same for this, apart from the fact that some Indian spices might have a weak antibacterial effect.
Myth: Regular rinsing of your nose with saline prevents infection
Fact: No, you cannot fight the virus with saline water
No evidence regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with the new coronavirus. But yes it might be helpful in the speedy recovery from the common cold.
We should just do as the government and medical institutions guide us. As the only way of fighting, the coronavirus is by preventing its spread. To protect yourself, make sure you clean your hands frequently and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
Reference
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public (N.D) World Health Organisation. Referred from:
www.who.int/emergencies/