Correcting misconceptions spread among people about the Corona virus

Weather of Arabia - Since the Corona virus epidemic began sweeping the world, some misconceptions related to the virus and preventive measures have emerged, and the following is a correction of the most prominent of these misconceptions, quoting the World Health Organization website.

Fact 1: Vitamins and supplements cannot cure COVID-19

Vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, vitamin C and zinc are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system, and play a vital role in promoting nutritional health, but there are currently no guidelines regarding the use of nutritional supplements as a treatment for COVID-19.

Fact (2): Can a mask be worn while exercising?

The mask should not be worn during exercise, because the mask may limit the ability to breathe comfortably. The mask may get wet due to perspiration, which makes breathing difficult and promotes the growth of microbes. The most important preventive measure during exercise is physical distancing of at least one meter from others.

Fact 3: Water or swimming do not transmit the COVID-19 virus

The COVID-19 virus is not transmitted through water while swimming. However, the virus spreads between people when someone comes into close contact with an infected person.

What you can do:

Avoid crowds and keep a distance of at least 1 meter from others, even when swimming or in swimming areas. Wear a mask when out of the water and when you can't keep your distance from other people. Clean your hands frequently, cover your mouth or nose with a tissue or your bent elbow when you cough or sneeze, and stay home if you feel unwell.

Fact 4: Can the COVID-19 virus be spread by shoes?

The possibility of transmission of COVID-19 infection through shoes to individuals is very low. As a precaution, especially in homes where there are babies and young children who love or play on the floor, consider removing shoes and leaving them at the entrance to the house. This will help prevent any dirt or debris that may have stuck to the soles and shoes from being brought into the house.

Fact (5): Why are bacterial antibiotics sometimes prescribed to a corona virus patient if the cause is a virus and not a bacteria?

The virus that causes COVID-19 is descended from a strain of viruses called coronaviruses, or coronaviruses. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses, but some people who get Covid-19 may develop complications and develop pneumonia. In this case, your doctor may recommend an antibiotic to treat the infection.

Fact (6): Long-term use of medical masks* does not cause carbon dioxide poisoning or hypoxia, if worn properly.

The use of medical masks may not be comfortable for a long time, but it does not lead to carbon dioxide poisoning or lack of oxygen. When you wear a medical mask, make sure it is attached correctly and with good tightness to breathe normally. Do not reuse a single-use mask and always replace the mask as soon as it becomes wet.

*(Medical masks (also known as surgical masks) are flat or folded and secured with ties around the head or with elastic bands around the ears.)

Fact (7): Most people who get COVID-19 recover from it

Most people who get COVID-19 have mild or moderate symptoms and can recover from it with supportive care. If you have a cough, fever and difficulty breathing, see a doctor early, and if you have a fever and live in an area endemic to malaria or yellow fever, see a doctor immediately.

Fact (8): Thermal scanners cannot detect COVID-19

Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have a fever (i.e. people whose body temperature is higher than normal), but they cannot detect people who have COVID-19.

Fact (9): Adding pepper to your food does not prevent or treat Covid-19 disease

Adding chili to your food may make it tasty, but it does not prevent or treat Covid-19 disease. The best way to protect yourself from the emerging corona virus is to stay away from others at least one meter away, and make sure to wash your hands well and regularly. It is also beneficial for your overall health to maintain a balanced diet, drink enough water, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.

Fact (10): Corona virus is not transmitted by house flies

There is no evidence or information yet that the COVID-19 virus is transmitted by houseflies. The virus is mainly spread by droplets that are emitted from an infected person when he coughs, sneezes or talks. You can also become infected if you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands. To protect yourself, keep a distance of at least 1 meter from others, and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Clean your hands well and often and avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.

Fact (11): Spraying or introducing bleach (chlorine) or any other disinfectant into your body will not protect you from the Corona virus and may be very dangerous

Do not under any circumstances spray or introduce bleach or any other disinfectant into your body. These substances may be toxic if ingested and may cause irritation and damage to the skin and eyes. Bleach and sterilizer should be used with caution to sterilize surfaces only. And remember to keep chlorine (bleach) and other disinfectants out of children's reach.

Fact (12): Exposure to the sun or to temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius does not protect you from infection with the Corona virus.

COVID-19 can be contracted regardless of the temperature of the weather or the sun. Hot-weather countries are also reporting COVID-19 infections. To protect yourself from infection, make sure to wash your hands frequently and properly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.

Fact (13): Recovering from a patient with the emerging coronavirus does not mean that you will be infected with the virus forever.

Most people who get COVID-19 recover completely and get rid of the virus from their bodies. If you do get sick, be sure to treat your symptoms. If you have a cough, fever and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention early, but phone the health care facility first. Most patients recover with supportive care.

Fact (14): Corona virus can be transmitted in areas where the climate is hot and humid

From the evidence available so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in all areas, including areas with hot and humid weather. Whatever the climate, take precautions if you live in or intend to travel in an area where COVID-19 infections have been reported. Perhaps the best way to protect yourself from contracting COVID-19 is to wash your hands regularly. By doing this, you can get rid of viruses that may be stuck on your hands and thus avoid possible infection if you touch your eyes, mouth or nose.

Fact (15): Cold and snow cannot kill the emerging corona virus

The normal human body temperature is between 36.5 and 37 degrees Celsius, regardless of the outside temperature or weather. Accordingly, there is no reason to believe that a cold can kill the emerging corona virus or other diseases. Cleaning your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or washing them with soap and water is the most effective way to protect yourself from the virus.

Fact (16): Bathing in hot water does not protect against the emerging corona virus

Taking a hot shower will not protect you from COVID-19. The normal temperature of your body remains between 36.5 and 37 degrees Celsius, regardless of the temperature of the bath or shower. In fact, taking a shower in very hot water can be harmful to you because it can burn you. Frequently cleaning your hands is the best way to protect yourself from Covid-19 disease, because this enables you to get rid of viruses that may be on your hands and thus avoid infection as a result of touching your eyes, mouth and nose.

Fact (17): The emerging corona virus cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites.

The emerging corona virus is a respiratory virus that is transmitted mainly as a result of contact with an infected person, specifically through respiratory droplets that it secretes during coughing or sneezing, for example, or through saliva droplets or nasal secretions. So far, there is no information or evidence available to suggest that the emerging corona virus can be transmitted by mosquitoes. To protect yourself from the virus, avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever and cough, and adhere to the rules of hand and respiratory hygiene.

Fact (18): Does washing the nose regularly with saline help prevent infection with the emerging coronavirus?

No. There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with a saline solution protects against infection with the emerging coronavirus, but there is limited evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with a saline solution helps cure the common cold more quickly. However, regular nasal washing has not been shown to prevent respiratory diseases.

Fact (19): Does eating garlic help prevent infection with the emerging coronavirus?

Garlic is a healthy food and has some antimicrobial properties. However, there is currently no evidence that eating garlic protects against infection with the emerging coronavirus.

Fact (20): Who is more susceptible to infection with the emerging corona virus, the elderly or the young?

People of all ages can be infected with the emerging coronavirus, and it appears that the elderly and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) are most likely to develop severe symptoms in the event of infection with the virus, and the World Health Organization advises people of all ages to follow Steps to protect themselves from the virus.