Corona Virus Myths
10 Mosquito bites spread the virus
According to WHO, there is no evidence pointing out that mosquito bites spread the virus, therefore it’s a myth don’t believe in it.
2. Hot weather can stop coronavirus
Some research raised hope that hot weather can suppress the virus, but this is not true and there is no proof to support this claim. Countries with hot weather, like the ones in southern Asia, have reported cases of the virus and this proves that the theory is wrong.
3. Snow and cold weather suppresses the virus
There have been myths that cold weather kills the virus, though there is no evidence to support it. The vice versa is not true either that hot weather kills the virus. Countries with cold and hot weather have recorded several cases of infected people.
4. Drinking water
Water is health, and it plays a big role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, there is no scientific evidence that supports drinking a lot of water will help you flush out the virus from your digestive tract.
5. Spraying yourself with Alcohol
Spraying alcohol in your body when you have a feeling you might be infected will not kill the virus. The alcohol-based solution is used as a hand sanitiser or to disinfect surfaces and kill the virus on the physical surfaces, not inside the body.
6. Eating garlic
Garlic is healthy and has both the culinary and antimicrobial properties that are good for the body. Again, no evidence supports that eating garlic protects yours from the virus.
Facts that you need to know about Coronavirus
1. Coronavirus spreads through droplets from the respiratory when the infected person sneezes, coughs or speaks.
2. When you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your mouth, nose or eyes without washing your hands or sanitising them, you can be infected.
3. Exposing yourself to high-temperature does not prevent the virus from infecting you. You can be affected by the virus no matter what the temperature is. Many countries with high temperature have reported cases of the virus. To be safe you need to protect yourself by ensuring you frequently wash your hands, maintaining social distance and avoiding touching your nose, eyes and mouth.
4. When you are infected with the virus, there is quite a chance that you will recover from the disease. There have been many recovery cases worldwide. When you are infected you will have symptoms, including fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, ensure you seek medical attention immediately.
5. You can get coronavirus regardless of your age. When the pandemic outbreak, elder people and people with immunosuppressive health conditions were the ones considered to be at higher risk of getting the virus. Yes, it is true but with the current data, it is clear that the virus affects people across any age including children.
How Myths affect us mentally
The myths surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic has caused a lot of anxiety and stress disorders among people. The spread has raised concerns, panic and increased anxiety in individuals subjected to the threat of the virus. The information from the media about the coronavirus as a unique threat has added more stress, hysteria and panic to individuals. The pandemic affects society and individuals at different levels that cause a lot of disruption. The myths have affected us mentally in the following ways:
1. Stigma
The myths about the virus have caused stigma in us and this has resulted in a lot of stress and fear especially amongst the ones who have been tested positive for the virus.
2. Anxiety
Coronavirus myths all over social media have created fear and stress among us, people are worried about themselves and what will happen next.
3. Panic
Coronavirus myths have caused great panic in us! In addition, people have fear and anxiety that they cannot control. This has caused some funny behaviors among some individuals especially when people around cough!
n The author is a consultant in Public Relations and Personality Types. Instagram: @Tipsbyhalahill