9 VIRAL COVID MYTHS, BUSTED
Can you get it from your housefly, or your cellular network; cure yourself with herbs, or alcohol? Here are some of the oddest myths about Covid-19, and why they simply aren’t true
Myth: Patanjali has found a solution
Fact: Even Patanjali can’t seem to decide whether its rather misleadingly named Coronil is or isn’t a cure. They are now marketing it as an immunity-booster, after the AYUSH ministry asked them to stop advertising it as a cure and instead furnish details of its composition and any clinical trials conducted. The company is also now saying they never called it a cure. Anyway, until such time as research and data show that Coronil actually cures Covid-19 or helps in its treatment, we suggest you wait it out — no matter how much you love Patanjali’s ghee or herbal shampoo.
Myth: Pepper in your soup, raw garlic can cure the virus
Fact: Home remedies that boost immunity must not be confused with preventatives or cures. Pepper and garlic are good for you, but can’t shield you from or heal you of the virus.
Myth: 5G mobile networks can contribute to the spread of Covid-19
Fact: This one is the result of some strange, early data-misreading that led conspiracy theorists to conclude that since countries with low case numbers at the time were also countries wth low 5G penetration, the two must be connected. For the record, there is no link between radio waves or mobile networks and Covid-19. Proof lies in the fact that the virus has since spread in many of the countries on that low-on-5G list.
Myth: If you can hold your breath for 10 seconds without discomfort, you don’t have the virus
Fact: This one’s been around a long time, and is simply untrue. A breathing exercise is no kind of diagnosis. Testing remains the only way to know if you have the virus.
Myth: The novel coronavirus never actually leaves your system
Fact: Most people who contract Covid-19 recover; eventually, they all test negative. Some might test positive for longer than 14 days because of trace elements or dead-virus particles in your system, which are non-infectious.
Myth: Over-the-counter antibiotics can help
Fact: Antibiotics do not work against viruses; they help alleviate symptoms such as fevers caused by bacterial infections. There is a world of difference. In addition, unprescribed use of antibiotics puts you at risk, hampering your ability to fight future infections. Do not self-medicate; let the experts write the prescriptions.
Myth: Covid-19 can spread through flies, mosquito bites
Fact: There is no evidence to support this claim. Similar claims about dogs and cats have been unfounded too. The virus that causes Covid-19 spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks.
Myth: Prolonged use of medical masks can cause CO2 intoxication or oxygen deficiency
Fact: This is an argument made by various kinds of no-maskers in the hopes of boosting their case. No kind of medical mask will cause a registerable increase in CO2 or deficiency in oxygen.
Myth: Thermal scanners can tell you if you have Covid-19
Fact: A thermal scanner can only detectafever.Itisthe e siest way for shops and other establishments to try and screen those entering, but is by no means an all-clear. Many asymptomatic carriers can pass on the virus and never register a fever. Many develop symptoms other than a fever, first. Others take 2 to 10 days to develop a fever. Some with a fever just have the flu. Go by test results only; don’t assume a crowded space is safe because there’s a scanner at the door.