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HomeScienceWhy you shouldn't believe these 10 trending claims on coronavirus

Why you shouldn’t believe these 10 trending claims on coronavirus

What is the truth about coronavirus? Can it spread through pets or mosquitoes? ThePrint busts 10 myths on COVID-19.

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New Delhi: As the country settles into a lockdown to break the coronavirus’ chain of transmission, it’s also the time a flurry of messages will shoot back-and-forth on social media platforms delivering a mix of fact, fiction and paranoia.

ThePrint collates the top 10 myths doing the rounds, and gives you the facts.

Coronavirus spreads through pets

False.

According to US Centres for Disease Control (CDC), “there is no evidence to suggest that any animals, including pets, livestock, or wildlife, might be a source of COVID-19 infection at this time”. However, it suggests, that all animals can carry germs. “It’s always a good idea to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals.”

Sonic vibrations will kill the virus

No evidence yet.

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to citizens to raise a cheer for doctors, nurses, policemen and other personnel with emergency services, Indians were seen banging pots and pans, ringing bells and clapping at 5pm during the Janata curfew on 22 March.

There were several messages that claimed that the vibrations from the sounds can kill the virus. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim.


Also read: Cancelled sex parties, quarantine porn, kissing ban — how coronavirus is killing sex life


A hot bath prevents coronavirus

False.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), taking a hot bath will not prevent you from catching coronavirus infections. “Your normal body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower.”

Drinking cow urine prevents COVID-19

There’s no evidence yet.

“There is no medical evidence to show that cow urine has anti-viral characteristics,” Dr Shailendra Saxena, of the Indian Virological Society, told BBC News.

“Moreover, using cow-dung could prove counter productive as bovine faecal matter could contain a coronavirus which might replicate in humans.”


Also read: Between sanitiser and gaumutra for COVID-19, many in Modi’s India have made historical choice


Coronavirus can be transmitted through mosquitoes

False.

Until today, there is no evidence to suggest that coronavirus infections can be transmitted through mosquitoes. “The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose,” WHO said.

Not safe to eat outside food

There’s no evidence yet.

While you may want to wipe down the packaging and containers after receiving the food, there is presently no evidence to suggest coronavirus is transmitted through food, CDC said.

“In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from food products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient, refrigerated, or frozen temperatures,” the CDC said.

Eating garlic helps prevention

False.

While garlic contains anti-microbial properties, there is no evidence that consumption of garlic reduces the risk of COVID19 infections.


Also read: WHO didn’t say vegetarians haven’t contracted coronavirus, viral Twitter post is misleading


Marijuana kills coronavirus

False.

In fact, it may weaken the lungs to ward off the virus attack. According to the American Lung Association, smoking marijuana can also damage lungs and potentially affect the immune system and its ability to ward off diseases. Coronavirus is an infection which potentially affects the working of lungs and respiratory system.

Coronavirus will go away in summer

False.

According to the CDC, “it is not yet known whether weather and temperature impact the spread of COVID-19. Some other viruses, like the common cold and flu, spread more during cold weather months but that does not mean it is impossible to become sick with these viruses during other months.”

At present, it is unknown whether the spread of the new disease will decrease when the weather becomes warmer.

Imported Chinese goods put you at risk

False.

WHO says researchers are studying the new coronavirus to learn more about how it infects people. “As of this writing, scientists note that most viruses like this one do not stay alive for very long on surfaces, so it is not likely you would get COVID-19 from a package that was in transit for days or weeks,” it said.

However, the virus can remain effective on hard surfaces like metal, glass and plastic between 2 hours to 9 days.


Also read: Coronavirus is not an evil Chinese bioweapon meant to inflict terror. Here’s why


 

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1 COMMENT

  1. WHO guidelines also suggest to stay away from media pieces which make the person and his/her family feel restless. Have already seen this publication guilty to some too. Rather than disseminating useful relavant info , there are articles playing around with data “scientists” completely ignoring the fact that social distancing IS the single most effective way to contain the chain of transmission. Urge the Print to focus more on steps that people need to take rather than picking up holes in how many ventilators there are. It is literally of no use now. If any media channel was that pragmatic to see through it all, reports regarding the number of hospital beds per 1000 persons in India would have been relentlessly pursued. But we all know what the media is upto the rest of the year. Time to be responsible now.

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