FACT: Most people who get COVID-19 recover from it
The majority of people who get COVID-19 have mild or moderate symptoms and can recover thanks to supportive care. COVID-19 is caused by a virus. Antibiotics do not work against viruses. If you also. develop a bacterial infection as a complication, antibiotics may be recommended. It is important to be careful around vulnerable individuals who have an underlying condition or are elderly to reduce the risk of them contracting the virus.
If you have a cough, fever and difficulty breathing seek medical care early. Telephone your local health provider to discuss your medical condition. If you have fever and live in an area with malaria or dengue seek medical care immediately.
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FACT: Drinking alcohol does not protect you against COVID-19 and can be dangerous
The harmful use of alcohol increases your risk of health problems
FACT: Vitamin and mineral supplements cannot cure COVID-19
Micronutrients, such as vitamins D and C and zinc, are critical for a well-functioning immune system and play a vital role in promoting health and nutritional well-being. There is currently no guidance on the use of micronutrient supplements as a treatment of COVID-19.
FACT: Thermal scanners cannot detect COVID-19
Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have a fever (i.e. have a higher than normal body temperature). They cannot detect people who are infected with COVID-19. There are many causes of fever. Call your healthcare provider if you need assistance or seek immediate medical care if you have fever and live in an area with malaria or dengue.
FACT: COVID-19 is not transmitted through houseflies or mosquitos
There is no evidence to suggest that the COVID-19 virus transmitted through houseflies or mosquitos. The virus that cause COVID-19 spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. You can also become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands. To protect yourself, keep at least 1-metre distance from others and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces. Clean your hands thoroughly and often and avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.
FACT: Spraying and introducing bleach or another disinfectant into your body will not protect you against COVID-19 and can be dangerous
Do not spray or introduce bleach or any other disinfectant into your body. These substances can be poisonous if ingested and cause irritation and damage to your skin and eyes. These substances should only be used to disinfect surfaces.
FACT: 5G mobile networks do not spread COVID-19
Viruses cannot travel on radio waves/mobile networks. COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. People can also be infected by touching a contaminated surface and then their eyes, mouth or nose.
FACT: Cold weather and snow cannot kill the COVID-19 virus
There is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill the new coronavirus or other diseases. The normal human body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the external temperature or weather. The most effective way to protect yourself against the new coronavirus is by frequently cleaning your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or washing them with soap and water.
FACT: Hand dryers are not effective in killing the COVID-19 virus
Hand dryers are not effective in killing the COVID-19 virus. To protect yourself, clean your hands regularly with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
FACT: Vaccines against pneumonia do not protect against the COVID-19 virus
Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus. Although these vaccines are not effective against COVID-19, vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect your health.
The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine.
FACT: Rinsing your nose with saline does not prevent COVID-19
There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with the new coronavirus.
There is some limited evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline can help people recover more quickly from the common cold. However, regularly rinsing the nose has not been shown to prevent respiratory infections.
FACT: Eating garlic does not prevent COVID-19
Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from the new coronavirus.
FACT: Antibiotics CANNOT prevent or treat COVID-19
Antibiotics work only against bacteria, not viruses.
COVID-19 is caused by a virus, and therefore antibiotics should not be used for prevention or treatment. However, if you are hospitalized for COVID-19, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.