Debunking COVID-19 Myths
As of today, the highly infectious coronavirus has claimed the lives of 1.46 million people and infected 62.6 million individuals globally. Looking at the trajectory of recurrent surges of the virus in many countries, it is evident that the pandemic will not cease any time soon.
Ironically, the coronavirus battle is not the only battle we are fighting. In the advent of social media and information sharing, we are concurrently combatting the proliferation of misinformation and false news. As the new trusted source of information, many people are now heeding unverified and unsubstantiated information about the COVID-19 pandemic shared across social media platforms, such as Facebook and Whatsapp.
The result? Panic buying and grocery hoarding in supermarkets, leaving shelves of food empty and a quickly depleting supply of masks and sanitisers.
That is why Speedoc is here to address common misconceptions, in hopes that you will equip yourself with the best tools you need to defend yourself against infection.
MYTH #1: I CAN TAKE ANTIBIOTICS TO PREVENT OR EVEN TREAT A COVID-19 INFECTION
We’ve all probably been prescribed antibiotics at some point in our lives. They are particularly useful in combatting bacterial infections, but the truth is, they are ineffective against viruses like the common cold or influenza. This also means that they are ineffective against the COVID-19 virus. So, if you happen to have some antibiotics in your medicine cabinet, taking them won’t do anything to prevent or treat the infection. Also, in general, you should only take antibiotics if they have been prescribed for you by a doctor.
At the moment, there are novel COVID-19 vaccinations that are emerging, with clinical trials being implemented. While we wait, there is no need to worry, as 40 million worldwide have recovered successfully, including 52,647 local cases. As long as you are healthy and have no underlying medical conditions, the recovery advice for the COVID-19 is actually similar to the flu — plenty of rest and lots of fluids.
MYTH #2: I WILL NOT GET THE VIRUS AS LONG AS I WEAR A MASK
Plenty of people neglect social distancing in public places, as they feel that wearing a mask provides sufficient protection. However, while wearing a mask reduces the risk of transmission, it does not guarantee that you will not get the virus.
Evolving research on the coronavirus has proven that the virus is airborne and easily transmissible. The COVID-19 virus spreads mainly from respiratory droplets, which travel in the air when you cough, talk or sneeze. They can then land in the mouths of those around you. As such, wearing a mask will reduce exposure risk from an infected person, and act as a barrier to prevent your respiratory droplets from reaching others.
While wearing a mask is important in preventing the spread of COVID-19, it is NOT a substitute for social distancing and personal hygiene, as contact transmission is still possible if you do not abide by these regulations.
In conclusion, the use of a mask alone is insufficient to provide an adequate level of protection and other equally relevant measures should be adopted, such as personal hygiene and maintaining social distancing.
MYTH #3: I CAN CATCH THE VIRUS THROUGH MY DOMESTIC PETS
You might have heard that the COVID-19 originated from a wet market that was well-known for illegally trafficking wildlife, possibly from bats. If we can catch the disease from bats, can we catch it from other animals?
Many people wonder if their pets could potentially catch the COVID-19. There have also been numerous photos of pets wearing masks. While cute, there is no cause for concern. While coronaviruses are zoonotic viruses, which does mean that they can be transmitted between animals and people, there is no evidence to support that the virus can be spread to our domestic pets. But, if you’re still worried, washing your hands with soap and water after handling your pet is generally a good practice to prevent the spread of other types of diseases.
MYTH #4: I CAN GET THE VIRUS FROM PARCELS SENT FROM CHINA
Some people have stopped buying goods from China, while others have ‘quarantined’ parcels that have arrived from there. Why? They are afraid that if an infected person had handled their items, they run the risk of also catching the virus.
While this sounds like a valid concern, there is actually no risk of anyone contracting the virus through a package or a letter from China. This is because the virus is unable to survive for very long outside of the human body, with many experts saying that at most, it can last up to a few hours on a surface.
MYTH #5: FOODS LIKE GARLIC WILL HELP PREVENT ME FROM GETTING THE VIRUS
Garlic has many health benefits and more people should be eating it. After all, it has been said to be helpful in lowering your cholesterol and even possibly preventing Alzheimer’s. Unfortunately, it will not prevent you from getting infected by the COVID-19 virus.
In fact, no food out there is guaranteed to prevent you from contracting the virus. There have been other myths that sesame oil or even red marine algae are effective deterrents against the virus, but these claims have yet to be backed by any medical studies. Instead, it is more important to keep a strong and healthy body by maintaining a nutritious diet full of immune-boosting foods like fruits and vegetables. This will ensure that your immune system is strong enough to fight off any infections that might come, whether it’s the flu or COVID-19.
HOW TO ACTUALLY STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY FROM THE VIRUS
This unprecedented, foreign virus is extremely scary, but it is more important to realise that with good hygiene practices, it can be contained. Instead of relying on myths you’ve read about online, remember these tips:
Wash your hands regularly with water and soap
Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
Wear a mask if you are feeling unwell
See a doctor if you are feeling unwell If you are feeling unwell and need to visit a doctor but are worried about the potential spread of germs at a clinic, you can always engage our house call doctor services by calling us at +60 11 4166 1178.
But, if you have reason to believe that you might be down with COVID-19, such as through previous contact with an infected patient, skip the doctor and go straight to the hospital for proper tests.
