WHO: Rumors and facts about the new coronavirus
Xinhua News Agency, Geneva, April 15 (Reporter Liu Qu) The World Health Organization has warned that misinformation about the new coronavirus will make the work of medical personnel more difficult, and spread fear and cause confusion to the public. In response to some recent rumors, WHO has recently updated rumored content on its official website. The reporter organized as follows:
Myth 1: There are currently special drugs to prevent and treat new coronavirus infections.
Fact: So far, there are no drugs specifically designed to prevent and treat new coronavirus infections. Patients should receive appropriate care to alleviate and respond to related symptoms; critically ill patients should receive optimal supportive treatment. Some specific treatments are under study and will be tested through clinical trials. WHO is working with partners to accelerate related R & D work.
Myth 2: Antibiotics can prevent and treat new coronavirus infections.
Fact: Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, only bacteria. New coronavirus is a virus, so antibiotics should not be used as a preventive or therapeutic method. However, if the patient is hospitalized with the new coronavirus, they may be treated with antibiotics because they may be infected with bacteria at the same time.
Rumor 3: Eating garlic can prevent infection with new coronavirus.
Fact: Garlic is a healthy food and may have some antibacterial properties. But from the current epidemic situation, there is no evidence that garlic consumption can protect people from new coronavirus infection.
Myth 4: Regularly washing the nose with saline helps prevent infection with the new coronavirus.
Fact: There is no evidence that regular flushing of the nose with saline can prevent infection with the new coronavirus. There is limited evidence that regularly washing the nose with normal saline can help people recover from the common cold more quickly. However, regular nose cleaning does not prevent respiratory infections.
Myth 5: Pneumonia vaccine can prevent infection with new coronavirus.
Fact: The new coronavirus is a new, different virus that requires a special vaccine. With the support of WHO, researchers are working hard to develop a new coronavirus vaccine. Pneumococcal vaccines, etc. cannot prevent new coronaviruses, but it is strongly recommended to vaccinate them to protect health.
Rumor 6: Spraying alcohol all over the body can kill the new coronavirus.
Fact: No. Spraying alcohol all over the body will not kill viruses that have entered the body. Spraying such substances may be harmful to clothing or the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth and other parts. Alcohol can be used for surface disinfection of various items, but appropriate recommendations must be followed.
Rumor 7: UV disinfection lamp can kill the new crown virus.
Fact: UV lamps should not be used to disinfect hands or other skin parts because UV radiation may damage the skin.
Rumor 8: The hand dryer can kill the new crown virus.
Fact: Hand dryers cannot effectively kill the new crown virus.
Myth 9: Taking a hot bath can prevent infection with the new coronavirus.
Fact: Taking a hot bath does not prevent infection with new coronavirus. Regardless of the bath or shower temperature, the body's normal body temperature will remain between 36.5 and 37 degrees Celsius. In fact, when you take a hot bath, overheating the water is harmful and may cause burns.
Myth 10: Exposure to the sun or temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius can prevent infection with the new coronavirus.
Fact: No matter how full the sun is or how hot it is, people may be infected with the new coronavirus. Cases have also been reported in countries with hot weather.
Myth 11: Drinking alcohol can prevent infection with the new coronavirus.
Fact: Drinking alcohol does not protect the body from the new coronavirus, but may cause harm. Frequent or excessive drinking may exacerbate health problems.
Myth 12: Being able to hold your breath for 10 seconds or longer without coughing or feeling uncomfortable means that you are not infected with new coronavirus or other lung diseases.
Fact: The most common symptoms of new coronavirus infection are dry cough, fatigue, and fever. Some people may get pneumonia after infection. Laboratory testing is the best way to confirm whether you are infected with new coronavirus. This type of breath test cannot be used to determine whether it is infected with new coronavirus, which may even be dangerous.
Rumor 13: After being infected with the new coronavirus, it cannot be cured and will carry the virus for life.
Fact: Most patients can heal without the virus. If you are sick, you must treat symptomatically. If you have a cough, fever or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. After receiving symptomatic support treatment, most patients can recover.
Rumor 14: 5G mobile networks will spread the new crown virus.
Fact: Viruses cannot be spread through radio waves or mobile networks. The World Health Organization has repeatedly emphasized that the new coronavirus is a respiratory virus, which is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets or saliva, snots, etc. generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Since people may touch the contaminated objects with their hands and then touch their eyes, mouths, etc., washing hands with alcohol-based hand soap, or soap and water, can help prevent the new coronavirus.