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Coronavirus (COVID-19) myths debunked by WHO

Coronavirus – COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates

From the evidence so far, the Coronavirus – COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather. Regardless of climate, adopt protective measures if you live in, or travel to an area reporting COVID-19.

Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the virus

There is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill the it or other diseases. The normal human body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the external temperature or weather.

Taking a hot bath does not prevent coronavirus disease

Taking a hot bath will not prevent you from catching COVID-19. Your normal body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower.

The coronavirus cannot be transmitted through goods manufactured in China or any country reporting COVID-19 cases.

Even though the coronavirus can stay on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days (depending on the type of surface), it is very unlikely that the virus will persist on a surface after being moved, traveled, and exposed to different conditions and temperatures.

The coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites.

To date there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes. The 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. 

Are hand dryers effective in killing the coronavirus?

No. Hand dryers are not effective in killing the 2019-ncov. To protect yourself against the new coronavirus, you should frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Can an ultraviolet disinfection lamp kill the new coronavirus?

Avoid using UV lamps to sterilize hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.

How effective are thermal scanners in detecting people infected with the new coronavirus?

Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have developed a fever (i.e. Have a higher than normal body temperature) because of infection with the new coronavirus. This is because it takes between 2 and 10 days before people who are infected become sick and develop a fever.

Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the new coronavirus?

No. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes (i.e. Eyes, mouth).

 Can pets at home spread the new coronavirus (2019-ncov)?

At present, there is no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus.

Do vaccines against pneumonia protect you against the new coronavirus?

No. Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus.

Can regularly rinsing your nose with saline help prevent infection with the new coronavirus?

No. There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with the new coronavirus. 

Can eating garlic help prevent infection with the new coronavirus?

Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from the new coronavirus. There is some limited evidence that regularly rinsing nose with saline can help people recover more quickly from the common cold.

Does the new coronavirus affect older people, or are younger people also susceptible?

People of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus (2019-ncov). Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus. 

Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus?

No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. The new coronavirus (2019-ncov) is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment.

Are there any specific medicines to prevent or treat the new coronavirus?

To date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the new coronavirus (2019-ncov).