Busting The Top 5 Coronavirus Myths With The WHO

During the past few days, there have been nine times more cases of coronavirus outside China than inside. As the number of patients diagnosed with the new virus increases rapidly throughout the U.S., it becomes clearer that we should all know how to stay safe.

Although this is a serious health issue, so many people and publications are still promoting so-called safety measures that don’t actually work against the coronavirus. To keep everyone informed, the World Health Organization busted some of the most common myths regarding this disease.

Does spraying alcohol kill the virus? Can thermal lamps detect it? It’s time to know the real answers, so let’s have a look at the official information issued by WHO.

1. Is it safe to open a package from China?

Yes. Thankfully, the coronavirus survives for a very little while on objects, so there’s no risk in receiving a letter or a package from China.

2. Can your pet spread the coronavirus?

Probably not. So far, there hasn’t been any evidence that domesticated pets such as dogs or cats could even be infected with the new 2019-nCOV virus, let alone spread it. However, it’s still recommended that you always wash your hands thoroughly after direct pet contact; the WHO explains that this simple measure also protects you from common transmittable diseases such as E. Coli or Salmonella.

3. Do hand dryers kill the new 2019-nCOV virus?

No. I’ll say this one loud and clear: the only measure of protection known to kill the coronavirus is to wash your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand dryers can’t kill the virus.

4. Can thermal scanners detect infected people?

Shortly, no. Thermal scanners are an effective way of detecting fever, as they’re able to measure body temperature. However, it can take up to 10 days until a patient infected with the coronavirus develops a fever – not to mention there are many other illnesses that can increase body temperature as well.

5. Does the coronavirus only affect older people?

No. Anyone, regardless of age or gender can be infected. It’s true, though, that people already suffering from certain illnesses (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) are more likely to experience severe symptoms of the new virus.

Therefore, the World Health Organization advises everyone to protect themselves from the new coronavirus – and everything starts with good hand hygiene.

P.S. A virologist shared her top 3 tips to improve immunity naturally – I wrote all about them in this post!