Social media full of misleading ways to counter Covid-19

LUCKNOW: From amulets to herbal potions and concoctions made from cow’s urine, social media is full of messages that feed on the fear caused by spread of Covid-19 (coronavirus).

A poster went viral on March 12 claiming to cure Covid-19 infection though an amulet in Lucknow. The message was shared both on Whatsapp and Twitter, forcing the police to intervene. A police team on Saturday arrested one Ahmed Siddique who circulated this claim.

In another message, a man in Rae Bareli announced to organise bathing in cow’s urine and cow dung for people wishing to protect themselves from Covid-19 infection.

The organisers also promised three different services of cow’s urine and dung for different rates. The rates vary from Rs 101 for ‘sadharan swachh gaumutra’ to 201 for ‘siddha gobar snan.’

A similar programme was organised by Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha in Delhi on Saturday and Aligarh on Sunday.

People were offered cow’s urine to drink as a protection against Covid-19 infection. The organisation announced to hold similar events in Mathura and other districts of the state.

People are also offering mixture of various kitchen herbs that promise to ‘boost’ immunity and protect one from coronavirus.

However, experts warn against relying on these measures. Dr Manoj Yadav, an expert of infectious diseases said, “Coronavirus

› There is no scientific basis to say that amulets, cow’s urine or dunking into it can ward off the coronavirus. DR MANOJ YADAV, an expert of infectious diseases

infection can be countered only with better medical intervention. There is no scientific basis to say that amulets, cow’s urine or dunking into it can ward off the disease. Washing hands at regular intervals, avoiding crowds and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the best way to protect oneself from coronavirus infection.”

Doctors also warn against using the herbal medicines suggested in these viral messages.

Dr Somit Khandelwal, a dietician said, “Many of the herbal concoctions suggested online have no effect on building our immunity as claimed.

The immune system in our body is developed based on various aspects over a period of time. No herbal combination can boost your immunity overnight.”

The administrative officials have also warned against such misleading claims and are keeping a close watch on those who are spreading such messages.