Coronavirus: Myth Busters

Coronavirus disease can be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather. Regardless of climate, adopt protective measures if you live in, or travel to an area reporting COVID-19.

Taking a hot bath does not prevent the new Coronavirus disease

Taking a hot bath will not prevent you from catching COVID-19. Actually, taking a hot bath with extremely hot water can be harmful, as it can burn you. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently cleaning your hands.

The new Coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites

There is no evidence to suggest that the new Coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes. Coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva.

Are hand dryers effective in killing Coronavirus?

No. Hand dryers are not effective. To protect yourself against the new Coronavirus, you should frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water, and then dry them thoroughly by using paper towels.

How effective are thermal scanners in detecting people infected with the new Coronavirus?

Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have 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 fever.

Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the new Coronavirus?

No. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth).

Can regularly rinsing your nose with saline help prevent infection with the new Coronavirus?

There is no evidence that rinsing the nose with saline protects people from infection with the new Coronavirus. There is some limited evidence that regularly rinsing nose with saline can help people recover more quickly from the common cold.

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) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.

Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the new Coronavirus?

Antibiotics don’t work against viruses. Coronavirus is a virus. Therefore, antibiotics should not be used for protection or treatment. However, if you are hospitalized for symptoms, you may receive antibiotics to avoid bacterial co-infection.

Are there any specific medicines to prevent or treat the new Coronavirus?

To date, there is no specific medicine to prevent or treat the new Coronavirus. However, those infected should receive appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms, and those with severe illness should receive optimized supportive care.