Myths And Facts About The Corona virus (COVID-19) Infection – Dr. Y S Bath Columbia Asia Hospital

Dr. Yadvarinder Singh Bath- Consultant Internal Medicine Columbia Asia Hospital- Patiala
  1. People with COVID will die.
    FACT: This means that out of every 100 people who suffer from corona virus, only 3 people are at risk of mortality. Around one in six people will become severely ill and need hospital care. Also if you have a healthy immune system, you can most definitely fight off the disease with the right care.
  2. Can you always tell if someone has COVID-19? FACT: No The virus can be in someone’s body for up to 14 days before they get symptoms, and some people will have such a mild case of COVID-19 that they might not notice that anything is wrong. That’s why it’s important that everyone follows government advice – including hand washing, using tissues to catch coughs and sneezes, and avoiding crowds – to stop the spread of the virus, even if they feel healthy.
  3. Can COVID-19 spread in warm sunny weather? Fact: COVID-19 can survive temperatures higher than 25C. You can catch it no matter how sunny and warm it is. So, whatever the weather you should follow the official advice to protect yourself from the virus. 
  4. Will drinking lots of hot drinks stop COVID-19? Fact: There is no drink hot or cold that will protect you from COVID-19 or cure the illness.
  5. Should I use a strong disinfectant to clean my hands and body to protect myself from COVID-19? Fact: Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water or rubbing an alcohol-based sanitizer on them will stop the virus spreading. Using stronger chemicals on your skin can be
  6. It is not safe to receive a package from China? Fact: The corona virus cannot live for long on surfaces of paper cardboard or other material used for packaging. So till the time you will receive your delivery, you will receive dead and unharming virus with it.
  7. Mosquito bites spread the virus? Fact: The carriers of the virus are humans but not mosquitoes.
  8. Mask should be worn while exercising? Fact: People should NOT wear masks when exercising, as masks may reduce the ability to breathe comfortably. Sweat can make the mask become wet more quickly which makes it difficult to breathe and promotes the growth of microorganisms. The important preventive measure during exercise is to maintain physical distance of at least one meter from others.
  9. Shoes spread COVID-19 Virus? Fact: The likelihood of shoes spreading COVID-19 is very low. As a precautionary measure, consider leaving your shoes at the entrance of your home. This will help prevent contact with dirt or any waste that could be carried on the soles of shoes.
  10. The prolonged use of medical masks cause CO2 intoxication/ oxygen deficiency? Fact: The 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
  11. Thermal Scanners detect Covid-19 infection? Fact: 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. So, don’t hide your fever history, instead get it evaluated.
  12. Hydroxychloroquine is the best treatment for Covid-19 infection? Fact: There are currently no drugs licensed for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19. While several drug trials are ongoing, there is currently no proof that hydroxychloroquine or any other drug can cure or prevent COVID-19. The misuse of hydroxychloroquine can cause serious side effects and illness and even lead to death. WHO is coordinating efforts to develop and evaluate medicines to treat COVID-19.
  13. Covid-19 is spread through houseflies? Fact: COVID-19 is NOT transmitted through houseflies
  14. Exposing in Sun can be a protective measure from covid-19 infection? Fact: : Exposing yourself to the sun or temperatures higher than 25°C DOES NOT protect you from COVID-19. You can catch COVID-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is.
  15. Only old age people can contract the infection? Fact: People of all ages can be infected by the COVID-19 virus. Older people and younger people can be infected by the COVID-19 virus. Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus. 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.