The World Health Organization (WHO) has made a detailed list on the most common coronavirus misconceptions around the world, which have no scientific basis and, therefore, need to be corrected.
Can the new coronavirus be transmitted by handling coins and banknotes?
Initial information indicates that the new coronavirus (COVID-19) can survive on the surfaces for a few hours. However, the risk of being infected with coronavirus due to contact with things, including coins, banknotes, or even credit cards, is very low if the rules of hand hygiene are properly adhered to. Cleaning your hands frequently is the best way to protect yourself from the virus.
Can an ultraviolet disinfection lamp kill the new coronavirus?
UV lamps should not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.
Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the new coronavirus?
No. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth). Be aware that both alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations.
Do vaccines against pneumonia protect you against the new coronavirus?
No. Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus.
Can children’s urine protect against the new coronavirus (COVIUD-19)?
Urine does not eliminate bacteria. On the contrary, it can contain small amounts of viral or bacterial material. So, washing one’s hands with children’s urine or cleaning surfaces with it do not protect against COVID-19. You should frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Use a common household disinfectant to clean the surfaces.
Can cold weather and snow kill the new coronavirus?
There is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill the new coronavirus or other diseases. The normal human body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the external temperature or weather.
Does cocaine protect against the new coronavirus?
Cocaine is a stimulating and addictive drug. Its consumption causes serious side effects and is detrimental to people’s health.
Are hand dryers effective in killing the new coronavirus?
No. Hand dryers are not effective in killing COVID-19. To protect yourself against the new coronavirus, you should frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Once your hands are cleaned, you should dry them thoroughly by using paper towels or a warm air dryer.
Can N95 respirator masks be reused or sterilized by a disinfectant?
No, face masks, including flat medical masks or N95 respirators, should not be reused. If you have been in contact with a person who is infected with the new coronavirus or another respiratory infection, the front of the mask is already contaminated. The mask should be removed without touching it in front and properly disposed of. After that, wash your hands with soap and water.
Can regularly rinsing your nose with saline help prevent infection with the new coronavirus?
No. There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with the new coronavirus.
There is some limited evidence that regularly rinsing nose with saline can help people recover more quickly from the common cold. However, regularly rinsing the nose has not been shown to prevent respiratory infections.
Can eating garlic help prevent infection with the new coronavirus?
Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from the new coronavirus.
Does the new coronavirus affect older people, or are younger people also susceptible?
People of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus (COVID-19). Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.
WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.
Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus?
No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. The new coronavirus is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment. However, if you are hospitalized for COVID-19, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.
Are there any specific medicines to prevent or treat the new coronavirus?
To date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the new coronavirus.
However, those infected with the virus should receive appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms, and those with severe illness should receive optimized supportive care.
Some specific treatments are under investigation, and will be tested through clinical trials. WHO is helping to accelerate research and development efforts with a range of partners.
(END) KGR/ART/RMB/MVB
Published: 3/9/2020