Coronavirus Myth Busters – Sorting the Facts from the Fake News
In this media age that we live in today, it can feel like we are constantly bombarded with information. While the old adage that knowledge is power still holds true in many situations, the unprecedented access to information that we enjoy does have its downsides. Many of us now get our news from a wider variety of channels than ever before. Particularly on the internet, the source of the information we are consuming isn’t always clear and we can’t always be sure that it’s reliable and from a trusted source. With these coronavirus myth busters, we hope to sort out some of the key facts from the fake news.
As many of us are glued to our electronic devices, hungry for information about the coronavirus, rumours and myths have been spreading around the web like wildfire. In today’s interconnected world, a throwaway remark or an untested theory can reach all four corners of the globe in what seems like seconds. That’s why we’ve titled this article ‘coronavirus myth busters’, continue to read to get the coronavirus facts.
To do our bit in preserving the truth, it’s important that we take care to check that the information we’re reading, and sharing, is from trusted sources.
To help you sort the facts from the fake news, in this article we look at some of the coronavirus myths, scams and falsehoods that have been shared on the web but tagged as false by factcheckers and the World Health Organisation.
Fact 1 – most people who get Covid-19 recover from it
It’s easy to forget with all the media spotlight on certain cases that most people who get Covid-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. Most people enjoy a full recovery with supportive care. It’s really important to seek medical attention quickly, if you have a cough, fever or any difficulty breathing.
If you have symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature or a new, continuous cough), do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy, or hospital. If you have these symptoms, call 112 or 999.
Fact 2 – thermal scanners cannot detect Covid-19
Although thermal scanners are effective in detecting whether someone has a fever, they cannot detect if a person has Covid-19. There are many causes of fever.
Fact 3 – drinking alcohol does not protect you from Covid-19
Drinking alcohol does not help to prevent you from catching Covid-19. In fact, the harmful use of alcohol greatly increases your risk of health problems. This could be one of the most important coronavirus myth busters included in this article.
Fact 4 – there are currently* no drugs licensed for the treatment or prevention of Covid-19
* According to World Health Organisation as of 20/05/2020
There are several ongoing drug trials taking place around the world but there is currently no evidence that any drug can cure or prevent Covid-19. The WHO is currently coordinating efforts to develop medicines to combat Covid-19.
Fact 5 – the virus can be spread in hot or humid climates
Contrary to popular belief, coronavirus can still be transmitted in hot or humid weather. The best way to protect ourselves is by maintaining a physical distance and frequently cleaning our hands and surfaces that we come into contact with.
Fact 6 – cold weather cannot kill coronavirus
There is no evidence to suggest that cold weather can kill the virus. Regardless of external temperatures, the human body maintains an internal temperature of around 37 degrees Centigrade.
Fact 7 – applying heat to your skin, such as a hand dryer, a UV lamp or taking a hot bath, cannot kill the virus
Regardless of external heat sources that we apply to our skin, such as using a UV lamp, taking a hot bath or drying our hands with a hand-dryer, the human body maintains a consistent internal body temperature. Maintaining a physical distance from others and frequently cleaning our hands are the best way to protect ourselves from coronavirus.
Regardless of the external temperature, the human body maintains a consistent internal temperature of around 37 degrees centigrade. There is no evidence that hot weather, cold weather or external heat sources prevent the virus from being transmitted.
Fact 8 – existing vaccines for other conditions will not protect you against coronavirus
Do existing vaccines protect us from coronavirus? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Coronavirus is so new that it requires its own vaccine. Researchers around the world are currently working to develop a vaccine to protect us from Covid-19.
Fact 9 – younger people are also susceptible to the virus and need to take steps to protect themselves
People of all ages can be infected by coronavirus. It’s true that older people and people with pre-existing health conditions, including asthma, diabetes, heart disease and others, appear to be more vulnerable to becoming seriously ill with the virus. However, the World Health Organisation advise people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from Covid-19, for example by washing hands frequently with soap and by maintaining a physical distance from others.
The World Health Organisation strongly recommend that people of all ages take steps to protect themselves from Covid-19, by washing hands frequently and maintaining a safe physical distance from others.
Local people in Cork can get in touch for expert healthcare advice
If you are a local person in Cork, who wants advice about Coronavirus or any other health concern, call your local pharmacist at Irwin’s Pharmacies today on 021 430 4165 or contact us online.