CoV has taken scary vibes over the world and has been everywhere in the news. But, the some proportion of the population is still unaware and living in the myths relevant to COVID-19. Below are the facts mentioned that everyone should know about the Coronavirus to stay aware and prevent it.
COVID-19 is Pandemic
A pandemic is a global outbreak of disease. Pandemics happen when a new pathogen emerges to infect people and can spread between people sustainably. Because there is little to no pre-existing immunity against the latest virus, it spreads worldwide.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is infecting people and spreading quickly from person-to-person. Cases have been detected in most countries worldwide, and community spread is being recognized in a growing number of countries. Check out the facts that can help you panic less and help you to prepare for COVID-19.
Coronavirus is zoonotic
This means COVID-19 is transmitted from animals to human beings. Although Investigations have shown that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans, confirmed evidence of spread to human beings are still debated. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.
Diseases can make anyone sick regardless of their race or ethnicity.
Fear and anxiety about COVID-19 can cause people to avoid or reject others even though they are not at risk of spreading the virus.
For most people, the immediate risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be less.
Older adults and people of any age with underlying health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, lung disease, or heart disease, etc are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Risk of Severe Illness
New information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes:
Older adults and kids are vulnerable because of low immunity People who have severe chronic medical conditions like:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Lung disease, etc.
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates.
From the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including regions with hot and humid weather. Regardless of the environment, adopt protective measures if you live in, or travel to an area reporting COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently washing your hands with soap or sanitizing with alcohol-based sanitizers. 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.
Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the new coronavirus.
There is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill new coronavirus or other diseases. The average human body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the external temperature or weather. The most effective way to protect yourself against the new coronavirus is by frequently cleaning your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or washing them with soap and water. Also, carrying a sanitizer is recommended though
Taking a hot bath does not prevent the new coronavirus disease.
Taking a warm bath will not prevent you from catching COVID-19. Your normal body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of your bathtub or shower. Taking a bath with boiling water can be harmful, as it can harm you.
The new coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites!
To date, there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that mosquitoes could transmit the new coronavirus. The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose.
Are hand dryers not effective in killing the new coronavirus?
No. Hand dryers are not effective in killing the COVID-19.
Thermal scanners can’t detect people infected with the new coronavirus.
Thermal scanners are useful in identifying people who have developed a fever (i.e., have a higher than normal body temperature) because of infection with the new coronavirus. However, they cannot detect people who are infected but are not yet sick with a fever. This is because it takes between 2 to 10 days before people who are affected become ill and develop a fever.
Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body cannot kill the new coronavirus.
Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying such substances can be harmful
Vaccines against pneumonia don’t protect you against the new coronavirus.
Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine, do not protect against the latest virus. Although these vaccines are not effective against 2019-nCoV, vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect your health.
Are antibiotics not effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus?
No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. The new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment. However, if you are hospitalized for the 2019-nCoV, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.
Someone who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation does not pose a risk of infection to other people. You can help stop COVID-19 by knowing the signs and symptoms:
