The latest COVID-19 myths debunked
From whether eating garlic or taking supplements to exposing yourself to the sun or temperatures higher than 25°C protects you from COVID-19, the WHO has debunked common COVID-19 myths.
The coronavirus has led to millions of lives being lost around the world.
There are many things that are said to help prevent the virus and some even claim to cure the virus.
The World Health Organisation has put together a list of myths and facts that the public needs to be aware of.
READ: Ice-cream tests positive for coronavirus
Myths Debunked
- Spraying and introducing bleach or another disinfectant into your body will not protect you against COVID-19 and can be dangerous.
- Drinking methanol, ethanol or bleach does not prevent or cure COVID-19 and can be extremely dangerous.
- 5G mobile networks do not spread COVID-19.
- Exposing yourself to the sun or temperatures higher than 25°C does not protect you from COVID-19.
- Catching COVID-19 does not mean you will have it for life.
- Most people who get COVID-19 recover from it.
- Being able to hold your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing or feeling discomfort does not mean you are free from COVID-19.
- The COVID-19 virus can spread in hot and humid climates.
- The COVID-19 virus cannot be spread through mosquito bites.
- Hand dryers are not effective in killing the COVID-19 virus.
- Ultra-violet (UV) lamps should not be used to disinfect hands or other areas of your skin.
- Vaccines against pneumonia do not protect against the COVID-19 virus.
- Rinsing your nose with saline does not prevent COVID-19.
- Eating garlic does not prevent COVID-19.
- People of all ages can be infected by the COVID-19 virus.
- Antibiotics cannot prevent or treat COVID-19.
- Vitamin and mineral supplements cannot cure COVID-19.
- Studies show hydroxychloroquine does not have clinical benefits in treating COVID-19.
- Water or swimming does not transmit the COVID-19 virus.
- The likelihood of shoes spreading COVID-19 is very low.
- Thermal scanners cannot detect COVID-19.
- The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a virus, not by bacteria.
- COVID-19 is NOT transmitted through houseflies.
- Adding pepper to your soup or other meals does not prevent or cure COVID-19.
- The prolonged use of medical masks* when properly worn, does not cause CO2 intoxication nor oxygen deficiency.
*All facts and myths courtesy of the WHO website*
READ: Coronavirus: A global look on developments
Image courtesy of iStock/ @zetat