As more cases of coronavirus have started emerging in Pakistan and globally, more myths and rumours are making the rounds on social media. So, Doctor Faheem Younus, the chief of infectious diseases at University of Maryland, United States, has yet again busted 9 another famous myths about the pandemic.
Myth #1: Avoid shipped packages/gas pumps/shopping carts/ATMs or you’ll die.
Answer: Wrong, as coronavirus surface survival is one thing and that surface causing an infection is another. So, wash your hands, it wouldn’t harm you.
Myth #2: You can catch COVID-19 from ordering takeout food/Chinese food (or the packaging of food).
Answer: No, since COVID-19 is a droplet related infection (like flu) not a food-borne infection.
Myth #3: Going into a sauna for 20 min can kill more than 90% of viruses, including coronavirus.
Answer: Wrong, there are no scientific trials to suggest the validity of this claim. On the contrary, saunas can cause other diseases such as pneumonias and folliculitis.
Myth #4: If you lose your sense of smell, you have COVID-19.
Answer: False, as it’s common to temporarily lose one’s sense of smell with many viral infections/allergies. It’s a non-specific symptom that may or may not happen with coronavirus.
Myth #5: Taking hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin preemptively is a good idea to prevent COVID-19.
Answer: Wrong as these (experimental) drugs for coronavirus should only be used in selected COVID-19 patients.
Myth #6: Using garlic/lemon with hot water/onion in the room will prevent or cure COVID-19.
Answer: It’s not true, as none of these substances have been scientifically tested against coronavirus.
Myth #7: Most of the governments have declared a state of emergency. It must mean that people living in those areas would die.
Answer: Wrong, since the state of emergency in almost every country is more of a legal than a medical standard. It allows governments to access more resources and personnel to combat any national threat.
Myth #8: Always change your clothes/shower after coming home. Or you will bring coronavirus to your family.
Answer: False, as cleanliness is a virtue, paranoia isn't. Just continuously wash your hands, stay 6 feet away, and avoid large crowds.
Myth #9: Most of the messages one receives are from doctors in China/Italy. So, why shouldn’t one believe them?
Answer: You shouldn’t believe them, because real doctors publish their research in scientific journals, not on social media.