Unusual moments come with interesting news. And eccentric times present challenging information. These may seem obvious, and expected. While others are true there are a lot of myths and untruths with some false and fake news being spread about the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
In the avalanche of information being generated during this COVID-19 pandemic times, are subtle and laud myths flying in the air, which begs for further interrogation and certification to help people clear the clutter of misinformation and misconception.
Myths such as ‘drinking alcohol kills COVID-19 virus,’ ‘putting cut onions in a bowl in the room’ as well as ‘bathing warm water can kill it’ are gaining grounds in our society. However, myths as a highly exaggerated story or misinformation about some antidote as we have heard and read about on various social media platforms and by some people could be misleading and unfavourable to our efforts to win the fight against COVID-19 Pandemic in the country.
The NCCE holds the view that putting a value on myth doesn't help matters. Indeed, the negative and positive descriptions of the content of myths are not helping the concerted efforts by stakeholders in handling the disease.
The Commission encourages Ghanaians to therefore take note of the following facts and stay updated as well as follow the safety protocols. This is because knowing the facts about COVID-19 symptoms, how the virus spreads and what you can do to stop it will help protect you and your community.
Some FACTS:
- Drinking alcohol does not protect you against COVID-19 and can be dangerous
The harmful use of alcohol increases your risk of health problems.
- Drinking methanol, ethanol or bleach DOES NOT prevent or cure COVID-19 and can be extremely dangerous: Scientifically,methanol, ethanol, and bleach are poisons. Drinking them can lead to disability and death. Methanol, ethanol, and bleach are sometimes used in cleaning products to kill the virus on surfaces – however you should never drink them. They will not kill the virus in your body and they will harm your internal organs.
To protect yourself against COVID-19, disinfect objects and surfaces, especially the ones you touch regularly. You can use dilute bleach or rubbing alcohol for that. Make sure you clean your hands frequently and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.
- The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a virus. NOT by bacteria.
- Prolonged use of medical masks when properly worn, DOES NOT cause CO2 intoxication nor oxygen deficiency: The prolonged use of medical masks can be uncomfortable. However, it does not lead to CO2 intoxication nor oxygen deficiency. While wearing a medical mask, make sure it fits properly and that it is tight enough to allow you to breathe normally. Do not reuse a disposable mask and always change it as soon as it gets damp.
- Most people who get COVID-19 recover from it: It is a fact that most persons who tested positive for COVID-19 and with mild or moderate symptoms had recovered, thanks to supportive care. However, it is mandatory for symptomatic patients to self-isolate or seek medical attention immediately. Although some people who are infected do not show symptoms, we have to realise that whether asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic we all need to act responsibly by observing the safety protocols to prevent the spread of the virus.
- Thermal scanners CANNOT detect COVID-19: Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have a fever (i.e. have a higher than normal body temperature).
They cannot detect people who are infected with COVID-19. There are many causes of fever. Call your healthcare provider if you need assistance or seek immediate medical care if you have a fever and live in an area with malaria or dengue.
- Adding pepper to your soup or other meals DOES NOT prevent or cure COVID-19: Hot peppers in your food, though very tasty, cannot prevent or cure COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself against the new coronavirus is to keep at least 1-metre away from others and to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. It is also beneficial for your general health to maintain a balanced diet, stay well hydrated, exercise regularly and sleep well.
- COVID-19 IS NOT transmitted through houseflies
There is no evidence or information to suggest that the COVID-19 virus is transmitted through houseflies. The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. You can also become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands. To protect yourself, keep at least 1-metre distance from others and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces. Clean your hands thoroughly and often and avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.
- Spraying and introducing bleach or another disinfectant into your body WILL NOT protect you against COVID-19 and can be dangerous
Do not under any circumstance spray or introduce bleach or any other disinfectant into your body. These substances can be poisonous if ingested and cause irritation and damage to your skin and eyes.
Bleach and disinfectant should be used carefully to disinfect surfaces only. Remember to keep chlorine (bleach) and other disinfectants out of reach of children.
- Exposing yourself to the sun or to temperatures higher than 25C degrees DOES NOT prevent the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
You can catch COVID-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. Countries with hot weather have reported cases of COVID-19. To protect yourself, make sure you clean your hands frequently and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose and practice.
- Being able to hold your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing or feeling discomfort DOES NOT mean you are free from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) or any other lung disease.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are dry cough, sneezing, loss of smell, tiredness and fever. Some people may develop more severe forms of the disease, such as pneumonia. The best way to confirm if you have the virus producing COVID-19 disease is with a laboratory test. You cannot confirm it with this breathing exercise, which can even be dangerous.
- COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates
The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by maintaining physical distance of at least 1 metre from others and frequently practising the safety protocols. By doing this, you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
- Can eating garlic help prevent infection with the new coronavirus?
Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from the new coronavirus.
- Does the new coronavirus affect older people, or are younger people also susceptible?
People of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus. Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus. The WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.
For further details on the measures please visit the following sites:
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