Ever since the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the new coronavirus (COVID-19) a pandemic, everyone has become worried and nervous. While scientists are still trying to discover new information about it, governments are applying regulations to limit its fast spread, and normal life has been severely disrupted. However, the flow of wrong information that has completely flooded the internet about protecting yourself from the new coronavirus, has become more dangerous than this invisible virus. Let us bust some myths about preventing the infection or boosting the immunity.
- Taking antibiotics: COVID-19 is a virus and antibiotics are administered only for treating bacteria, so you cannot treat a virus with antibiotics. Plus, you must not take antibiotics without prescription, as they cause side effects. Moreover, overusing antibiotics without consulting a doctor can make them lose their efficacy on the long term.
- Eating garlic: garlic is tasty and healthy in general, but no data shows that it protects people from the new Coronavirus.
- Rinsing your nose regularly with saline: there is no evidence that this practice protects people from infection.
- Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body: spraying your body with such substances will not kill the virus, and they can be harmful to your clothes and mucosal membranes; such as in the eyes and mouth.
- Some available medications and vaccines can prevent or treat the new coronavirus: until the date of publication, the WHO has stated that there is no medication or vaccine recommended for treating the new Coronavirus.
Now, how can you protect yourself? So far, the effective ways of preventing an infection are social distancing and frequently washing your hands. COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets; when a sick person coughs or sneezes, the droplets can spread and infect another person. If these droplets fall on surfaces and any person touches the contaminated surface then touches their mouth, eyes, or nose, that person could be infected. That is why maintaining a safe distance of at least one meter between you and others is critical.
To protect yourself, there is one last thing that I believe is very important, which is always finding the correct information. You do not want to follow myths or misconceptions; always look for information from trusted sources, such as the WHO’s official website or the official website of the Egyptian Ministry of Health. Stay safe, stay informed from trusted resources, practice hygiene and social distancing.
References
who.int/myth-busters
who.int/situation-reports