The novel virus by the second week of May 2020 has spread to nearly every country in the world, spanning from the US, India, Russia, Africa to Britain.
To date, there is no cure and preventive vaccine for COVID-19. We can only save ourselves by adhering to the norms of social distancing even after lockdown; eventually, we have to step out of our houses to earn our daily bread and butter.
In a nutshell, the onus is on us to save mankind. Therefore, besides work or running important daily errands, we have to learn to stay in our homes, most of the time — no wandering around.
In addition, avoid visiting public places such as hospitals for a general checkup or monthly tests as the risk of coronavirus infection is pretty high there. These days blood, sugar, or thyroid tests online have made life easier. A medical professional will arrive at your home to take your sample, and the test report will be delivered to your inbox in less than 24 hours.
While we are adapting to this new lifestyle forced by the COVID-19 pandemic, the myths surrounding this virus are pushing us back even further. To your good fortune, we’ll be bursting as many as four prevalent myths. So, without wasting any time, let’s debunk these myths right here and right now:
Myth 1:- Spraying alcohol or chlorine on the skin can kill the coronavirus
This is the biggest myth we hear these days, especially over social media. Alcohol and chlorine can cause harm to the skin, especially when you touch your eyes and face afterward.
These chemicals should be utilized to sanitize the surface, but not your skin. One thing you need to know is that alcohol is chlorine; anything can kill any viruses on or within the body.
Myth 2:- Pets can spread coronavirus
Yes, this novel virus has hopped from animals; there is no proof that this virus can transmit from pets to humans. On the other way round, a pet owner may infect their pet, as such a case was reported in The South China Morning Post.
During the SARS-CoV outbreak in 2003—a similar virus to COVID-19—many dogs and cats were tested positive.
An animal specialist from Vanessa BarrsofCity University said: “Previous experience with SARS suggests that cats and dogs will not become sick or transmit the virus to humans.
Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released an advisory that a COVID-19 infected person must not take their pet for a walk. Also, wash hands thoroughly after thoroughly snuggling in any way with their pet.
Testing is important to curb the community spread of COVID-19, this is perhaps the reason COVID-19 testing ways have evolved over the last two months amidst the pandemic. Today we have the rapid testing and ELISA Kits to find the infected individuals in the community and we can quarantine them immediately to cut the cord of spread.
Myth 3:- Teens cannot catch the coronavirus
A big no; teens are definitely at risk of getting infected with this novel virus, although the initial reports from China and the US suggest the complications are less severe compared to adults.
However, the latest medical research tells a different tale. It says kids are as likely as adults to get infected from COVID-19. So, regardless of age, one needs to follow the principles of social distancing, and always remember united we fall sick, and divided we are safe.
Myth 4:- Vitamin C can protect you against the coronavirus infection
Researchers are yet to find any evidence to support the claim that Vitamin C supplements can make our body immune to the COVID-19 infection. In fact, Vitamin C cannot lower the risk of getting infected from the common cold.
The U.S. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)recently sent letters to seven companies that were fake advertising their products to be helpful in preventing and curing coronavirus infection.
Conclusion
Be safe not just from the coronavirus infection, but also from the many myths intoxicating our mind. It is advisable to listen only to what your government advises and follow the health advisories, and we will come out of this situation stronger than ever before.
Stay home, stay safe!