Social media remains rife with untrustworthy ‘facts’ from misinformed sources about the covid-19 and how to protect yourself. So that you don’t follow bad advice, Nomads expert Doctors have put together a blog of responses to some of the myths we’ve seen floating around about Covid-19. Let’s get the facts straight and get some expert advice on the situation with Covid-19 as it stands…
Myth – If One Person on a Plane or Train Has the Disease Everybody Will Be Infected
Fact – The risk of contracting Covid-19 is extremely high if you are within 1 metre of an infected person who is openly coughing and sneezing. If an infected individual uses tissues or their inner elbow to catch coughs & sneezes, the risk is considerably lower. It’s important to catch coughs/sneezes even if you do not have symptoms or have been tested for Covid-19 – you may still be carrying the virus and risk infecting vulnerable people.
Myth – International Travel is Huge Risk and Should Be Avoided Completely
Fact – Currently, the risk of contracting Covid-19 from flights or visiting most countries is minimal. Avoid regions where there are very significant numbers of cases being reported. In most places, the risk of infection remains very small and travel is not discouraged.
Myth – Getting Covid-19 is a Death Sentence
Fact –Covid-19 can be fatal, mainly for more vulnerable groups of people – the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. Most of those who are infected will suffer flu like symptoms that they recover from.
Myth – Covid-19 is More Contagious Than The Flu or Measles
Fact –Covid-19 is more contagious than Flu, but considerably less contagious than Measles. Annually the flu infects around 1 billion people and results in over 1/2 million deaths worldwide.
Myth – Covid-19 is the Most Deadly Disease to Hit Mankind
Fact – Covid-19 is nowhere near the most deadly disease mankind has experienced. The mortality rate from confirmed cases in the UK is estimated at about 1%. For perspective, SARS killed 10% who were infected and MERS killed between 30-40% of those who were infected.
Myth – Vaccines Are Useless Against Covid-19
Fact – the first covid-19 vaccination was issued in the UK on the 21st of December 2020. As of July 2023, over 151 million total vaccine doses have been administered in the UK.
To date 5 COVID-19 vaccines have been authorised for use in Europe by the EMA.
Since the COVID-19 vaccines have been introduced, research has been conducted all over the world that demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against the COVID-19 virus.
Myth – Hand Gels Are The Best Means Of Protecting Myself
Fact – Good quality antibacterial hand-gels are helpful in situations where you cannot wash you hands. However, they are not the best means of protecting yourself. Importantly, hand gels do not work if your hands are visibly soiled or very dirty and should still be preceded by hand washing. Frequently & thoroughly washing your hands with soap & water, avoiding touching you face, and staying away from anyone with obvious flu-like symptoms are the best ways for you to avoid contracting the virus. Ensure you thoroughly wash your hands after being in public, especially if you use public transport.
Myth – Face Masks Will Protect Me From Contracting Covid-19
Fact – Unless you use specialist face masks, most do not have an adequate seal around the edges of the mask to prevent surrounding air from leaking in. Masks are helpful for containing some of the virus particles if you are infected and are coughing, but they need to be changed regularly and carefully otherwise they can be a risk factor. If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you’re caring for someone with suspected Covid-19 infection.
Myth – Coronavirus Can Be Transmitted Through Goods Manufactured in China
Fact – Although Covid-19 can survive on surfaces for a few hours/days (depending on the surface material), it is highly unlikely that the virus will persist on good manufactured in China. Goods will be moved frequently as they travel and exposed to a variety of conditions and temperatures, which the virus is unlikely to survive. If you are concerned a surface may be contaminated, use a disinfectant to clean it thoroughly. After cleaning the surface, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Myth – Coronavirus Covid-19 Can Be Transmitted Through Mosquito Bites
Fact – There is no evidence to suggest that Covid-19 can be transmitted by mosquito bites. Covid-19 is a respiratory virus that spreads through droplets in the saliva and nose discharge of an infected person. The virus is pread when infect people sneeze or cough openly and spread these droplets onto other people and the surfaces around them.
Myth – Eating Garlic Can Prevent Covid-19 Infection
Fact – While garlic may have some antimicrobial properties, there is no evidence to suggest eating garlic will protect people from Covid-19 infection. Eating healthy will help boost your immune system, but no food will stop a coronavirus infection.
Myth – Cocaine Can Protect Against Coronavirus
Fact – Cocaine cannot protect against any coronavirus or other infective diseases. It is an addictive, dangerous drug that should not be used under any circumstances.
Myth – I Can Take Chloroquine to Treat Covid-9 Coronavirus Symptoms?
No – Chloroquine is not currently approved for the treatment of coronavirus Covid-19 and is dangerous to take without prescription by a medical doctor. A number of individuals have died in recent days due to self-administration. Chloroquine is very dangerous to take in incorrect amounts. Do not attempt to purchase or take Chloroquine for the prevention or treatment of Covid-19 Coronavirus symptoms.
No Comments
Be the first to start a conversation