WHO debunks coronavirus myths

As the coronavirus spreads and fear grows, people are taking an abundance of precautions to keep from contracting it.

Some of these are practical: working from home, washing hands, avoiding crowds. Others are pointless and might even be dangerous.

Here are some myths about the coronavirus that have been debunked by the World Health Organization.

Myth: Cold can kill the coronavirus

What WHO says: There is no reason to believe cold weather can kill the new coronavirus or other diseases. The normal human body temperature remains around 97.7 to 98.6 degrees regardless of the external temperature or weather.

Myth: Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will kill the coronavirus

What WHO says: Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Not only that, but these substances can be harmful to your mucous membranes (not to mention your clothes). Both alcohol and chlorine disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used correctly.

Myth: Rinsing your nose with saline will thwart the new virus

What WHO says: There is no evidence rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with the new coronavirus. There is limited evidence it can help people recover more quickly from the common cold, but it has not been shown to prevent respiratory infections.

Myth: Eating garlic can help prevent infection

What WHO says: Garlic has some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from the new coronavirus.