The remedies you should ignore for coronavirus
Being well informed about this disease will help us to distinguish between advice based on myths and advice that is medically supported.
Among the most common false advice we can mention are the ones listed here.
-A hand dryer can kill the virus
A rumor has been circulating that by simply placing our hands in the hot air of a hair dryer, such as those found in public restrooms, the virus can die due to the heat generated. This is totally false. Since this is a new virus, there is not yet enough support to determine how long it survives in warm environments.
Experts recommend that it is best to wash your hands with soap and water, including your nails and fingers, and rub them together for 15-20 seconds. Once washed, we can use the dryer.
It is important to remember how critical it is to wash our hands frequently, otherwise the virus can enter our body through our eyes, nose or mouth as several experts have already pointed out. Try to touch your face after you have washed your hands.
Mouthpieces can be reused or cleaned with disinfectant.
Masks, whether clinical or filtering face masks, should never be used on more than one occasion. This is because when the front of the mask is exposed to a person who is infected or suspected of being sick, the front of the mask becomes contaminated with the virus.
Therefore, it is recommended to wear a mask for no more than 8 continuous hours and follow proper disposal instructions. When it is removed, it is important not to touch the front side. After disposal, hands should be washed with plenty of soap and water.
An ultraviolet lamp can kill the virus.
It is not recommended to use a lamp of this type as we would only expose our skin to irritation and in no way reduce the risk of contracting the virus.
In addition, as mentioned above, heat has not been shown to be a factor in reducing the presence of the virus.
Spraying alcohol and/or bleach on the body helps to disinfect.
Alcohol and bleach are very effective in cleaning surfaces or objects that have been in contact with the virus. However, it is not recommended to spray any of the substances on the skin as this may cause burns or damage the mucous membranes, i.e. eyes and mouth.
All we need to do is to keep the surfaces and objects we use most at home and at work disinfected. Diluted bleach and alcohol are recommended for cleaning.
Pneumonia Vaccine May Prevent Pneumonia Transmission
Since this is a new virus, a vaccine has not yet been developed to prevent its transmission. Fortunately, several prototypes are already being worked on with the support of the WHO (World Health Organization) and some Chinese, German and American laboratories.
What we do need to do is keep up to date on vaccinations against respiratory illnesses for better health throughout the year.
Eating garlic keeps you from getting it
While it is true that garlic is a very nutritious food and can help us fight microbes, there are still no studies that indicate that garlic can protect us from COVID-19.
Remember that you should always try to eat a balanced diet to have a good state of health. But in this case, it is not yet certain that certain foods will reduce the risk of infection.
Saline solutions may prevent infection.
Some people claim that nasal washes with saline solutions will prevent the virus from entering the body, but this is false. Once the virus has entered the body, there is no way to get it out until the body gets it out.
What has been proven is that saline solutions accelerate the recovery process in people with the flu. However, since COVID-19 is a new virus, these solutions won’t help us at all.
The virus only affects older people
COVID-19 can affect young children to older adults. What has been noticed is that the risk of becoming seriously ill is much higher in people over 60 years of age and who have diseases such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, etc.
Therefore, it is important that children, youth and adults take the proper precautions to avoid infection.
Antibiotics Can Prevent Contagion
Taking an antibiotic will not help because COVID-19 is caused by a virus, not bacteria. It is best not to self-medicate and in case of suspicion of infection, go to a doctor for professional advice.
Drink water every 15 minutes
A rumor has started to circulate that a supposed Japanese doctor recommends drinking water every 15 minutes to help the virus leave the body. This is totally false, as the virus enters through the respiratory tract. Once the virus has entered the body, drinking water does not help.
Our articles are written for educational and informational purposes and should never be taken as a medical consultation. If necessary, see your doctor or health care professional instead before you start using supplements or making changes to your diet.