This era of viral posts and clickbaits has influenced how we view the current COVID-19 pandemic. Today, we are listing down and mythbusting the fake news you may have encountered on your news feed.
1. The COVID-19 is basically just like the flu.
Yes, the COVID-19 and the common flu do share similar symptoms such as fever and coughing. However, this comparison simplifies the COVID-19 and minimizes its threat to our health. Based on statistics, it is much more fatal than the flu and should be addressed with a higher degree of caution.
2. Contracting the virus would immediately lead to death.
The COVID-19 can be potentially fatal. The chances of dying from it, however, is relatively low. About 80% of positive patients only experienced mild symptoms. The individuals most at risk of more serious complications are those who are immunocompromised and those with respiratory problems.
3. Thermal scanners can diagnose those with COVID-19.
The thermal scanner can only detect high temperature from scanned individuals. As mentioned before, fever can be caused by the flu or other illnesses. Symptoms of COVID-19 are also known to appear 2-14 days after infection. Thermal scanners should not be treated as an absolute diagnostic tool for the coronavirus.
4. Antibiotics can kill the coronavirus.
Antibiotics are used against bacteria. Coronavirus is a virus, making antibiotics ineffective against the disease.
5. The coronavirus can be treated with simple home remedies.
Lately, a lot of home remedies such as frequent water intake, use of essential oils, burning sage, and garlic consumption have been circulating online. As we are all quarantined within our houses, it is easy to see how these tips could go viral. Please know that none of these have been proven effective. Proper treatment can only be done by medical professionals in our hospitals.
6. The disease will soon die off during the summer.
Although some viruses are more active during the cold weather, there is no evidence pointing towards the coronvirus’ eventual stop of spread during the warmer season.
7. The coronavirus was manufactured in a Chinese lab.
This popular viral news has no evidence to back it up. Research actually found that the virus is a product of natural evolution. This fake news is likely spread to further promote racist and unfounded claims against China.
8. Vaccines for the flu and pneumonia are effective against the COVID-19.
Since the COVID-19 is a newly discovered virus, there is no verified vaccine that could be used against the disease.
9. The COVID-19 started from someone eating bat soup.
Although there is strong evidence that the disease started from animals, these is no proof behind this popular rumor.
10. You can prevent the COVID-19 by drinking alcohol.
As WHO stated, alcohol can only disinfect the skin and will not work the same way inside the body. The experts also warned that “consuming high-strength ethyl alcohol (ethanol), particularly if it has been adulterated with methanol, can result in severe health consequences, including death.”
We need to make sure that in dealing with this pandemic, we are equipped with the right information. What is certain is that we must help our healthcare providers in containing this disease. We could achieve this by limiting outside activities, exercising frequent health precautions, and participating in our country’s testing efforts.
MEDTEK is doing its part in helping of frontliners as well by providing them with the FDA-approved Innovita antibody rapid test kit for COVID-19. For hospitals, testing laboratories, and LGUs interested in purchasing these products for their testing operations, please feel free to fill out the form below.
