After reviewing the WHO.INT website in regard to the Coronaviruses. Below are the top Myth busters according to: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters
Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the new coronavirus.
Taking a hot bath does not prevent the new coronavirus disease
The new coronavirus cannot be transmitted through goods manufactured in China or any country reporting COVID-19 cases.
The new coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites.
Are hand dryers effective in killing the new coronavirus? – NO
Can an ultraviolet disinfection lamp kill the new coronavirus? – UV lamps should not be used 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.
However, they cannot detect people who are infected but are not yet sick with fever. 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
Can pets at home spread the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV)? – NO At present, there is no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus. However, it is always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets. This protects you against various common bacteria such as E.coli and Salmonella that can pass between pets and humans.
Do vaccines against pneumonia protect you against the new coronavirus? – NO
Can regularly rinsing your nose with saline help prevent infection with the new coronavirus? – NO
Can eating garlic help prevent infection with the new coronavirus? – NO 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.
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.
WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.
Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus? – NO
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). – However, those infected with the virus should receive appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms, and those with severe illness should receive optimized supportive care. Some specific treatments are under investigation, and will be tested through clinical trials. WHO is helping to accelerate research and development efforts with a range or partners.
