18 Most Common COVID-19 Myths Busted
By: Naman Gupta
Tags: Covid 19, Corona Myth, Corona, Myths Of Coronavirus, Coronavirus

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Do you think everything you believe about Corona Virus is true?

With the increase in the spread of the coronavirus throughout the world, various kinds of myths related to it are also spreading at a fast pace, thanks to social media. In this article, we are busting 18 of the most common myths associated with COVID-19 and the coronavirus that you must not believe anymore. So stay with us till the last, and you will surely get amazed by knowing what you should discard about Corona Virus. Also, comment down the number of myths that you were believing till now.

Myth 1: Mosquitoes or Houseflies can spread COVID-19

It is believed that coronavirus can be spread by mosquitoes or flies. However, there is no scientific evidence for this to be true. Coronavirus is spread by inhaling water droplets of an infected person via coughing, sneezing, talking, or by touching some contaminated surface or objects.

Myth 2: Drinking alcohol helps in preventing COVID-19

While alcohol-based sanitizers, which contain about 60–90% by volume, acts as a disinfectant and helps in destroying coronavirus. But consuming alcohol does not provide any protection against it. Instead, excessive consumption of alcohol may reduce the body’s immunity and its response to infection.

Myth 3: COVID-19 gets decline in summer/hot weather

The COVID-19 virus can spread in any type of climate and weather conditions. No research has found such assumptions that it gets reduced in summer. So, hoping that the COVID-19 spread will be declined in summer or hot weather is inadvisable. You have to follow hygiene rituals to protect yourself.

Myth 4: Digital thermometers are 100% effective in detecting COVID-19

Digital thermometers only tell about the current body temperature. But the fact is that COVID-19 may retain in the body and do not show any symptoms for about 14 days. So there are high chances that a person who is newly infected by the virus does not show any symptoms. In this case, he will be tested as normal by the digital thermometers. Hence, these are not 100% effective.

Myth 5: Garlic consumptions prevent COVID-19

Garlic has some antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties because of which people believe that it can help in treating COVID-19 patients. However, WHO has cleared it that there is no scientific evidence that garlic can help in preventing COVID-19. So, better to stay away from this myth.

Myth 6: Rinsing the nose with saline water cures COVID-19

This myth has emerged from the fact that it helps in fast recovery from the common cold. So people believe that COVID-19, which is also a kind of virus, could be prevented by this method. But there is not any scientific evidence that can prove it. It cannot be used to cure infections.

Myth 7: Adding pepper to food helps in preventing COVID-19

Hot pepper or chilly cannot help in preventing COVID-19. The best way to be safe from COVID-19 is to keep at least 3 feet distance from others, use masks in public places, use hand sanitizers more often and follow all hygiene guidelines.

Myth 8: COVID-19 can be spread by pets and animals

COVID-19 is generally spread from person to person when water droplets from an infected person enter another’s body. Animals can spread viruses among themselves but they are genetically dissimilar from humans. That is why it is very difficult for viruses to pass from animals to humans.

Myth 9: Gargling warm water and drinking hot drinks will kill COVID-19

Well, drinking hot drinks or gargling hot water may give some relief from cough and sore throat. But these cannot help in killing COVID-19. Once the virus reaches inside the cell, it is not affected by the high temperatures and slowly starts to replicate itself. The normal body temperature, 37 degrees Celsius provides favorable conditions for the virus to increase.

Myth 10: Vitamin C helps in curing COVID-19

Vitamin C is an antioxidant and helps to repair the oxidative damage caused by the immune system when fighting against the pathogen. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and may help in reducing the high inflammation experienced by some in COVID-19. But still, Vitamin C alone cannot cure COVID-19.

Myth 11: Only old people get infected by virus

Old people have weak immunity which is why they are getting more infected. But it does not mean that young people cannot get infected. Although the mortality rate is high among those who are old and had some pre-existing diseases, young people also need to take care of them.

Myth 12: Meat consumption can spread the coronavirus

As discussed earlier, COVID-19 spreads when water droplets from the infected person are inhaled by others via sneezing, coughing, talking, etc. There is no evidence that it can spread through meat, dairy, or poultry products. However, proper cooking for meat is advisable as it kills most of the viruses and bacteria in it.

Myth 13: Holding breath for ten seconds without any discomfort confirms a lack of COVID-19

We cannot conclude whether a person is infected or not just by holding breath. It is not a reliable tip as young people can hold their breath easily for a very long time even when they are infected. While older people may not hold their breath for long, even though they might not be infected. The only proper way to detect COVID-19 is testing.

Myth 14: Hand Dryers can kill coronavirus

Hand dryers cannot kill COVID-19. Do not rely on hand dryers for killing viruses on hands if you were. Instead, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. You can use hand dryers after washing your hands properly.

Myth 15: Home remedies can cure COVID-19

Some of the home remedies may give some relief from the symptoms of COVID-19, but there is no evidence that any home remedy can cure the infection. If you are infected, then do not rely only on home remedies, instead consult a doctor and take professional advice.

Myth 16: COVID-19 can be spread by swimming pools

It is a common myth about which most swimmers are very concerned. But believe me, swimming pools are safe. There is no evidence found which could prove this. Also, the chlorine used in swimming pools is enough to diminish the effect of coronavirus.

Myth 17: Coronavirus can be spread from goods and packages from overseas

The coronavirus cannot survive without a host for more than a few hours or a day or two. Any package coming from overseas or even if you have ordered anything online would take 4–7 days to reach you. So, even if the virus was present in your package, it could not survive till it arrives at your doorstep. So do not worry about your exciting orders coming to your doorway.

Myth 18: Vitamins and Mineral Supplements can cure COVID-19

Vitamin C is an antioxidant and helps in reducing inflammation. Vitamin D also increases our immunity. Minerals like Zinc help the body to fight against bacterial and viral infections. These vitamins and minerals can help in boosting your immunity but they are not the cure for COVID-19. They only help in fighting against coronavirus by increasing your immunity.

Well, we have discussed some of the most common misconceptions about COVID-19. People tend to believe whatever they read on social media and the internet without checking its authenticity. However, the best way to keep yourself safe from coronavirus is to get vaccinated. Do not get distracted by some baseless myths and risk your life. Follow the proper guidelines regarding wearing the mask, using hand sanitizers, and washing hands frequently in a day. Maintain social distancing with people, work on boosting your immunity, do not go outside the home until it is urgent, and most importantly, do not let coronavirus negatively affect your life. Together, we will overcome this global pandemic.