“Facts” About COVID-19 That Are NOT TRUE #MythBuster
As the COVID-19 pandemic worsen, many people started sharing inaccurate and outright false information on social media. There are lots of broadcast messages circulating on WhatsApp and many people who do not verify claims have swallowed them hook, line and sinker.
I want to appeal to you to only listen to tips, warnings and recommendations from recognised organisations. For Global and regional information, please follow the World Health Organization (WHO). For local (Nigeria) news and advice, follow the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). You can follow their website or Twitter handle.
Example of Inaccurate and False Information on COVID-19
This one was shared by an elderly person on a group I belong to. This group is a community WhatsApp group where we discuss waste management in the area where I live. I would have left the page if not that the reason I belong to it is very important.
RESEARCH: JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY, APRIL 1991, PAGE 1916
All we need to do, to beat corona virus, we need to take more of an alkaline foods that are above the above pH level of the Virus.
Some of which are:
Lemon – 9.9pH
Lime – 8.2pH
Avocado – 15.6pH
Garlic – 13.2pH
Mango – 8.7pH
Tangerine – 8.5pH
Pineapple – 12.7pH
Dandelion – 22.7pH
Orange – 9.2pH
How do you know you have coronavirus?
Itching in the throat,
Dry throat,
Dry cough.
So where you notice these three things quickly take warm water and drink.
Your Good Health Is My Priority
Do not keep this information to yourself only. Pass it to all your family and friends. Peace and love
I didn’t have to read it all before I detected the falsehood in it. The first thing that caught my eyes was the 15.6pH quoted for Avocado. The pH is is a scale that is used to specify how acidic or basic a water-based solution is. The scale ranges from 0 to 14. Zero (0) is the highest level of acidity, 7 is neutral and 14 is highest level of alkalinity. So where did they get their 15.6 from? So when the foundation of their claims are faulty, what do you expect from the claims themselves?
Busting Covid-19 Myths
Below are some more common Myths about COVID_19 and why they are false or inaccurate:
COVID-19 Virus cannot be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates.
This is a myth that was very common in Nigeria before we had the first case of the Coronavirus. People believed that the reason we hadn’t had a case was because of the hot and humid climate that we have in Nigeria.
FACT CHECK: FALSE.
According to the WHO, from the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS. These include areas with hot and humid weather. Regardless of climate, 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 cleaning your hands.
The World Health Organization (WHO).
Taking a hot bath kills COVID-19
Taking a hot 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 bath or shower. Since homeostasis will always take place, your internal temperature will be regulated.
FACT CHECK: FALSE.
Once again, the best ways to prevent catching this virus is to wash your hand, practise social distancing, and more (Read more here).
The new coronavirus CAN / CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites.
There is no information on this claim at the moment. There is no scientific research that has conclusively proved that the coronavirus can or cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites.
Since mosquitoes pose some dangers to you by themselves. We advise that you stay away from mosquito-infected areas or spray them.
Since Hand Dryers Produce Hot Air, It Kills Coronavirus
No, hand dryers cannot kill Coronavirus. Once again, the best way to kill Coronavirus is before it enters your body. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Eating Garlic Kills Coronavirus COVID-19
No, there is no evidence to substantiate that claim. I know people are probably saying this because Garlic has antimicrobial properties. However, there is no proof that it has helped anyone get well from the current outbreak the coronavirus.
Chloroquine Helps Cure Illness from Covid-19
There is no evidence to back this claim up. According to the WHO, to date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
These are the most common myths about the COVID-19 virus in Nigeria today. We will continue to update this article as we get more of these myths. If you have any of such claims about Coronavirus that you would like to verify, do not hesitate to leave a comment below.
MUST-READ: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Daily Updates in Nigeria.
The link above contains information on the state of COVID-19 in Nigeria. These include the number of cases, recovered patients, discharged patients, deaths and states affected.
