Rigorous outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has been grabbing the headlines since few weeks now. Governments around the world are taking safety measures against the disease and so are the common people. However, the news coming through social media are being spread far more rapidly than the actual news and are creating misperceptions among common people. A lot of facts are being overshadowed by countless myths spread on social media. As individuals, instead of creating panic, we should learn to differentiate between facts and the myths. We should always believe and rely on official websites such as WHO and CDC for information. Here are some of the popular myths and facts you should know about the COVID-19.
1. What is the medium of transmission of COVID-19?
People can catch the COVID-19 from another person who is already affected from the same. When a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales, the disease can be spread to other people through small droplets from nose or mouth.
2. Is there any vaccination available to cure COVID-19?
Right now, there is no vaccine for the disease. However, possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are under investigation. Most people recover if necessary care is taken.
3. Are there any antibiotics available for preventing or treating the COVID-19?
No, Antibiotics do not work against viruses; they work against the bacterial infections. COVID-19 is caused by a virus, so Antibiotics do not work.
4. Can dogs and cats catch COVID-19?
Till now, there is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet animal can transmit COVID-19. So chances are less that you can catch COVID-19 from your pet.
5. Who are most likely to catch the COVID-19?
Generally, older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes are more likely to catch the disease more than the other people.
6. Are the SARS and COVID-19 same?
No. Even though the viruses that cause COVID-19 and SARS are related with each other genetically, diseases they cause are quite different. As compared to COVID-19, SARS was much more deadly and less infectious.
7. What are the things a person should avoid to prevent from COVID-19?
Following measures are not effective against the COVID-19:
- Smoking
- Wearing multiple masks
- Antibiotics
8. How necessary is the mask to protect against COVID-19?
One should wear a mask only if he/she exhibits symptoms of the disease, or is looking after someone who may have COVID-19. Unnecessary use of masks should be avoided as there is worldwide shortage of masks.
9. How long is the incubation period for COVID-19?
The time between a person catches the virus and begins to show the symptoms is the incubation period. Generally, the incubation period ranges from 1 to 14 days. On an average, the period is 5 days.
10. Is it safe to receive a package from COVID-19 affected area?
Yes. The chances of an infected person contaminating goods are very low. Moreover, the risk of catching the virus from a package that has been moved, travelled and exposed to different conditions and temperatures is also very low.
To conclude, though the COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly spreading throughout the world, the increasing number of patients recovering from the disease is a positive sign. We should take the necessary precautions against the disease and not get demoralized by the stuff that is being spread around.
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