What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)? Facts, Myths and Precautions

The new Coronavirus, named SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-19 or the Wuhan virus, as it spread from Wuhan, China, poses real challenges to us.

There have been numerous reported deaths and people are getting infected everyday.

The virus gets its name from the looks – under the microscope the spiked structures on it makes it look like a crown, and hence the name.

The symptoms of COVID-19 are cough, Fever, and shortness of breath.

Not to mention, the virus has created enough panic among us leading us to believe various fake precautionary measures and myths regarding the virus.

While it is true that we must have knowledge about the virus and be prepared to prevent it from spreading, believing the myths will just do the opposite.

This video is to shed some light on this. Let’s bust some myths first.

Myth #1: Face masks can protect you from catching Coronavirus infection

This is not fully true. A face mask is not fully and properly fitted around your nose and mouth to prevent an infection.

However a face mask on an already infected person will help reduce the spread of infection by catching the droplets.

Healthcare professionals use professional masks that fit properly and they are trained to wear the same properly.

Myth #2: COVID-19 is just like flu

The symptoms this virus brings up are similar to that of a common cold or flu.

But the profile of COVID-19 is more serious and the mortality rate is higher than that of a flu.

Myth #3: Cats and dogs catch and spread the virus

There is very little evidence to support this myth.

Animals could catch the virus from humans but they won’t be infected. 

Human to human transfer is the reason for this new Coronavirus outbreak.

Myth #4: Garlic, bleach, hand dryers, spraying alcohol, chlorine etc can protect you from infection

Well, Garlic has antibiotic properties and it will help you fight the symptoms. But it cannot make you protected against the infection.

Gargling with bleach and using hand dryers are being suggested as precautionary measures.

But doing these won’t help you with not catching the virus. And gargling with bleach is really dangerous.

Spraying alcohol and chlorine over the body will cause damage to clothes and to your eyes.

Doing these won’t either help you fight the virus or stop getting infected.

These can be used to disinfect surfaces, but still you need to follow the instructions properly.

Myth #5: On catching Coronavirus

There are numerous myths floating around on how you can catch the virus. Here are a few:

You can catch it from urine and faeces. Not true. 

You can get infected if you receive a letter or parcel from China. No. The virus does not stay that long on objects like letters and parcels.

You get infected if you eat chicken or seafood. Again, no.

Myth #6: Home remedies can help fight off the infection

There are lots of suggestions that are being shared in social media and going viral.

These include Vitamin C, Garlic, Essential Oils, Sesame Oil, sipping water for every 15 minutes, rinsing nose with saline and so on.

No home remedies can stop you from catching an infection, or will help you fight it off. They might help you ease the symptoms though.

Myth #7: Antibiotics and flu and pneumonia vaccines kill Coronavirus

Antibiotics only kill bacteria. And as of now, a vaccine for the new Coronavirus is not available.

Myth #8: You die when you get infected with COVID-19

While the mortality rate is high it is absolutely not true that you will definitely die when you get infected with Covid-19.

About 80% of the infections are mild. 

People with respiratory complications and other health issues or people who are old are at risk though.

Myth #9: On confirming an infection

Thermal scanners don’t test for COVID-19. They just tell if you have a fever.

Further, someone can test negative and later on show the symptoms of COVID-19.

It is because the symptoms can appear 2-10 days after the infection.

How can you be safe and prevent catching a COVID-19 infection?

Understanding how the virus spreads is the key to keep the infection contained and to protect yourself.

When an infected person sneezes or coughs and if someone is close enough to catch the droplets on their mouth or nose, the other person could be infected too.

Which is why you need to maintain a distance of about 6 foot with anyone to be very cautious.

Unlike other coronaviruses, COVID-19 is not good at staying airborne for long. And much less is known about its ability to survive on surfaces when it lands from a sneeze or cough.

Hence avoid touching surfaces in public or crowded areas. And avoid touching your face, nose or mouth with your unclean hands.

Further wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based wipes once you get home. 

Stay at home if you are close to an infected area and avoid unnecessary travel. Avoid going to tightly crowded areas.

When you sneeze or cough, use a tissue and trash it.

Clean and disinfect surfaces at your home that people touch often.

If you have any symptoms, avoid close contact with your family members and others. Get to the hospital right away.

To conclude, knowledge about the virus, staying clean and helping with containing it is everything we need to do right now.

Let’s hope the COVID-19 shall pass too.