Myths associated with #Coronavirus disease (#COVID19) in India #BlogchatterA2Z

With the onset of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in India, myths associated with coronavirus including fake news in the form of posts, videos are hitting the internet. The worst thing is that people are believing and actually trying these things that have no sense.

I’m especially talking about the people living in the interior of India who follow this kind of fake news. Your post can be viral but it can cause a disaster way beyond than you can imagine.

It’s need of the hour that each one of us shows some responsibility and restraint ourselves from forwarding any kind of messages, videos that comes without any source. This kind of message only creates panic among people and leads to disaster.

So today we are discussing some popular myths associated with Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in India. These are well explained by the WHO(World Health Organization) advice for the public.

There is Treatment or medicines for the new coronavirus?

Many posts with random immunity-boosting medicine are going viral on the internet. These posts claim that by taking this medicine, people won’t get coronavirus. As per WHO, these claims are false.

There’s no specific treatment or vaccine for coronavirus to date. Research is going on, soon we will going to have, but not in the present time.

Patients of corona virus are treated as per their symptoms and chemoprophylaxis as per the order of the Ministry of Health, Government of India. There is a small study that malaria and HIV medicine in combination, work on patients. But the study is performed on a young age and is a small group. So it’s not reliable. As these medications have side effects as well. After this, the purchase of these medicines has been kicked off. But it’s advisable to consult your physician and don’t risk your life.

Does coronavirus affect Only Older people and kids?

As per WHO, every age group will get affected by the coronavirus. The only difference is that in some individuals with strong immunity the symptoms may not be prominent. But in people suffering from ailments like asthma, diabetes, heart disease may become severely ill with the virus and leads to complications. 

If I’m infected from coronavirus my body will show symptoms or not?

As per the report, Coronavirus patient takes 2-10 days to develop symptoms. However, people with high immunity may be asymptomatic. The conditions or symptoms vary from person to person as per their health conditions.

Summers will kill Coronavirus in India?

As per WHO, coronavirus can be transmitted in all areas, including hot & humid weather. The virus survives the summers as per the report and ongoing condition in India

Wearing Mask will protect me from coronavirus?

Mask is necessary if you are traveling or going outside the home, for health workers, and people with low immunity or suffering from ailments like asthma, diabetes, heart disease.

Please don’t waste masks unnecessary at the home otherwise if not needed. As there’s is a shortage of masks, so the one who needs it will not get access to it.

There are 2 types of masks, surgical masks, and an N95 mask. Surgical masks can be used for 4hours and an N95 mask can be used for 8hours.

Don’t use the mask after the above-mentioned duration, and also If your masks become wet. Disposed of them in the dustbin.

Why I need self-isolation or self-quarantine if I’m healthy?

This question runs on everybody’s mind right now. Alhumdulillah we are Healthy, need of the hour is to break the chain and prevent the coronavirus from spreading further.

Coronavirus may be asymptotic for a healthy individual but not for the weak immunity people who are in close contact. On stepping out, you may bring home Covid 19 with you and virus get spread to old people or kids which they can’t cope with coz of weak immunity.

Sanitizer is not available, will soap work?

It’s advised to wash hands with soap or sanitize frequently. Any kind of soap, any brand will work. Sanitizer with at least 60% of ethyl alcohol is effective in the killing.

If your sanitizer is not available, wash your hands frequently with soap. It will work the same. There are no numbers how many times you should wash, but advice to wash frequently if you are living in covid-19 effected area.

Also, proper handwashing, let the soap lathers well and for 20 sec so that the virus can detach from hands.

I’m having a cough, cold, fever. Does its coronavirus infection?

It’s a time of flu infection in India, not every cough cold or fever symptoms is coronavirus infection. Though health experts advise keeping your self protected from catching influenza as it will further weaken the immunity and you will catch coronavirus easily.

Myth COVID-19 vaccine will be ready soon

Vaccine development and testing it for its efficacy and side-effects will take a much longer time. If someone posts such claims is misguiding.

Myth Home remedies will cure coronavirus

Many rumored posts are making the rounds on social media claiming eating things like garlic, vitamin c rich fruits, multivitamins or applying oil on the body will prevent coronavirus. All such claims are not based on any study. Eating something or applying something on the body won’t cure coronavirus. Better to practice social distancing and basic hygiene methods to protect yourself from the virus.

What are the basic things I can do to prevent coronavirus?

As per WHO, the best way to protect yourself against coronavirus is by frequently at least before doing any work. Cleaning your hands with soap for 20 seconds till it produces lathers.

Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose frequently.

Follow proper hygiene methods.

Isolate the elders’ people completely.

Avoid close contact with family members if you have flu or not. Keep at least 1m distance from each other.

Try to take warm fluids, lukewarm water, coffee, soups. Avoid cold things like AC, taking cold drinks, juices. Take only freshly made things.

Always cook or warm food to high heat before consuming.

Don’t consume fruits that keep outside after cutting for a long time.

Store food in Refrigerator

Keep the kitchen clean. And wash the utensils before using them.

Follow coughing etiquettes, cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing.

The Helpline Number for coronavirus: +91-11-23978046 or 1075

Helpline Email ID ncov2019[at]gov[dot]in

So it’s everyone’s duty to break this chain and prevent coronavirus from spreading. Follow the guidelines by the local officers and hospital.

Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO & Ministry of Health, GOI website

Disclaimer & Disclosure: The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views of solely the blogger/ third party. This is a part of the public awareness and eductaional purpose only. One should consult their healthcare provider for any health-related information.