5 misconceptions about the coronavirus

In the wake of the coronavirus, misinformation and rumors that leads the entire public astray are being spread from one individual to another with the aid of social media. These false rumors are doing more harm than good; spreading fear among the populace. Information ‘they say’ is key, so let’s clarify some terms.

Coronavirus is the name of a family of viruses that can cause various respiratory illnesses and disorder in people. While COVID-19 is the name of the disease in question, the name was chosen by the WHO (World health organization) as it was discovered in Wuhan city of China, and has been termed to be a pandemic because it has spread across most civilized nations of the world.

Information is one of the most important ways people can protect themselves from this plague, and where you get your information from is essential. It is important to confirm all rumors from a reliable source such as; W.H.O, The United Nations, Ministry of health and Center s for disease control. These sources will provide you with authentic and verified information, and also have visual aids and precautionary measures you can follow to help curb the spread of the virus, and can assist in case of an infection.

Misinformation in troubled times like this is very much rampant, and a good way to deal with fake news is to arm yourself with the facts and try to educate others. Social media is easily accessible and self-checking the information before you put it out is a good habit to inculcate during these trying times, and to even continue when things get back to normal.

Below are some of the misconceptions about corona virus.

§       Can dogs spread the corona virus

This misconception started back in Hong Kong when a dog tested positive with coronavirus, but WHO stepped in and states that dogs cannot spread the virus. While dogs are susceptible to the family of coronavirus, they are not going to get infected with this strain of this virus.

§       Can vitamin C help cure the virus

There is no cure or vaccines yet for the coronavirus, but experts are working tirelessly for a solution to the pandemic. Vitamin c on the other hand, is an immune-boosting agent that helps in resisting the virus.

§       Hot weather conditions will reduces the spread of the coronavirus

Covid-19 stems are from the family of coronavirus that caused SARS and MERS infections, and this family of viruses typically survives better in winter and cold weather conditions, there is no scientific proof that covid-19 will play in the same rules. There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding this novel coronavirus. Assuming that the virus will not spread in hot weather regions would be a false hope.

§       Using a hand dryer or UV light will kill the virus

No, these won’t help sterilize your hands. Washing your hands with soap and water is the only way to rid yourself of the virus. UV lights may irritate your skin due to the radiation. Hand sanitizers with more than 60 percent of alcohol can be used in an emergency.

§      Taking of alcohol will prevent or kill the coronavirus

The consumption of alcoholic substance in other to prevent the virus will only prove to be fatal to your health; there is no concrete theory that proves alcohol is effective against the coronavirus. Continues intake of alcohol will only lead to more serious and complicated health issues, which may lead to death if infected with the virus.

With the information provided, we should all be guided and be mindful of what we do in the aim of preventing the spread of the virus. Follow all guidelines and instructions from health agencies and together we shall defect this common enemy called coronavirus.