The new coronavirus disease or COVID-19 has been declared as a pandemic by public healthcare unit, the World Health Organisations (WHO). Since its beginning, over 3,20,000 cases have been confirmed across 184 countries.
Currently, several research organisations and pharmaceutical companies across the world are working to develop effective coronavirus medicine to treat COVID-19. In the meantime, individuals are required to follow precautionary measures as directed by healthcare experts to deal with the prevailing situation.
Safety tips against coronavirus disease
By the time a potent coronavirus vaccine is discovered, follow these tips for coronavirus prevention –
Maintain personal hygiene
Make sure that you practice the hygienic regime recommended by WHO for effective coronavirus prevention. To begin with, wash your hands frequently with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds to eliminate the virus from hands. In case, washing your hands is not a feasible option, use a hand sanitizer with an alcohol concentration of minimum 60%. Other than this, try not to touch your face, eyes, mouth and nose to lower the risk of spreading or getting contaminated by the new coronavirus infection.
Practice self-quarantine
The best way to prevent the onset of COVID-19 infection is through self-quarantine. It not only protects you from being infected but also helps break the chain of COVID-19 spread. It is highly recommended to those manifesting symptoms of cold and fever.
Maintain safe distance
Avoid close contact with those people who are sick or are developing coronavirus symptoms like cough, fever, breathing problems, etc. Similarly, if you are sick, make sure you avoid close contact with older people and children. Also, ensure to wear a mask if you are ill, whether at home or while going outside.
Avoid crowd
The new coronavirus infection spreads when one comes in close contact with an infected person’s respiratory droplets. This is why you must maintain a safe distance from those who feel sick or have been coughing and sneezing. You should avoid public gatherings and social events to limit exposure to the new coronavirus.
Disinfect surfaces
The new coronavirus can survive on various surfaces for a considerable period. It directly increases the risk of being infected with the virus. As a precautionary measure, disinfect the most-touched surfaces on a frequent basis to lower the risk of infection.
Do not spread rumours
At a situation like this, people must remain calm to stay safe. To ensure the same, refrain from circulating unverified information regarding the coronavirus disease that may cause panic. Verify the source of such news and gain the necessary information required to prepare against the pandemic.
Also, another way to beat the new coronavirus infection is by educating oneself against the myths and rumours. Therefore, before you decide to share further information about the coronavirus disease, make sure to verify its authenticity.
Debunking COVID-19 myths
Recently, a lot of unverified information is circulating on the internet. However, instead of creating awareness, they have become a source of panic.
Here are some of the most common myths on coronavirus disease that needs to be debunked. Read along to find out if you have come across them online!
Myth 1: Coronavirus infection can’t be spread in areas with a hot and humid climate.
Fact – Coronavirus infection can spread in any area irrespective of the climatic conditions. To prevent contamination, it is advisable to avoid travelling to coronavirus infected regions.
Myth 2: Cold weather can eliminate the new coronavirus.
Fact – The cold weather or the snow is not effective in killing the new coronavirus. Irrespective of the external temperature, the average human body temperature ranges around 36.5°C to 37°C.
Myth 3: Hot bath prevents the onset of the new coronavirus disease.
Fact - The best way to prevent contamination is by washing hands with soap and water frequently and using hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of a minimum of 60%.
Myth 4: Coronavirus can also spread through mosquito bites.
Fact – The new coronavirus spreads when human beings come in close contact with the respiratory droplets of any person who is infected with the virus. Hence, to contain the spread wear a mask if suffering from the common cold and maintain a safe distance from others, especially older people and kids.
Myth 5: Thermal scanners are useful for detecting COVID-19 infection.
Fact - A thermal scanner can detect fever that may be induced due to the COVID-19 infection. However, it cannot detect if someone has been exposed to the new coronavirus infection and has not yet shown any symptoms.
Myth 6: Only older people are susceptible to COVID-19.
Fact – People of all age group are prone to the new coronavirus disease. However, older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions tend to show severe symptoms and find it challenging to recover fast from the infection.
Myth 7: Hand dryers can eliminate coronavirus.
Fact – Hand dryers cannot eliminate the new coronavirus. Wash your hand with hand wash and use sanitizer to get rid of the virus from hands. Also, the best and most hygienic way to dry your hands is by using paper towels. Remember to dispose of them carefully in the trash after using them.
Myth 8: Spraying alcohol or chlorine on the body can kill coronavirus infection.
Fact – It would not prove effective in killing the virus that has already found their way into the body. In fact, spraying alcohol and chlorine on the body can harm one’s mucous membrane. Alternatively, maintain personal hygiene and disinfect surface frequently to eliminate the virus.
Myth 9: Ultraviolet disinfection lamp can kill new coronavirus.
Fact – Firstly, it is not effective in killing the new coronavirus. Secondly, UV radiation can cause severe skin irritation and hence is not recommended. Hygienic living is the best cure for coronavirus infection at present.
Myth 10: Eating garlic can prevent COVID-19.
Fact – Garlic possesses some anti-microbial properties. However, there is no such evidence that suggests it can be used as coronavirus medicine.
Myth 11: Pneumonia vaccine can be used as a coronavirus vaccine.
Fact – Pneumonia vaccine cannot be used as a coronavirus vaccine. Notably, medical experts are working day and night to find an effective coronavirus vaccine.
In case, you find someone circulating any rumours about coronavirus, make sure to correct them immediately. Also, trust only reliable sources of information to lower doubts and confusions pertaining to COVID-19.
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