The myths of coronavirus are dispelled by Benenden's head matron
Myth - Coronavirus only affects older people
Fact – Any age can be affected by the new Coronavirus. Older people, those with an impaired immune system or people with some medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart diseases, etc appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with COVID-19.
Myth - All hand sanitisers can protect you from infection
Fact - In the case of hand sanitisers, not all are created equal. They are extremely useful when travelling or commuting, but if your hand sanitiser contains less than 60 per cent alcohol – or, worse, none – it won't offer much protection from Coronavirus. Expert advice at PHE and the WHO states that hand sanitisers must contain at least 60 per cent alcohol to be truly effective. Soap and water remain the most effective method of removing bacteria and viruses.
Myth - Alcohol can kill the coronavirus
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdFact - Booze will not prevent you catching the virus. Whether it's vodka or the finest Merlot, your tipple of choice will not cure Coronavirus. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will also not help. Alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations.
Myth - It is unsafe to receive any package from infected countries
Fact – No, it is not unsafe to receive any package from infected areas. The fact is that Coronavirus do not survive long on objects like packages, and it is safe to receive mail from infected countries. Most viruses live on hard surfaces for approximately 48 hours, but this is dependant upon heat, sunlight and the virus. Transference is made through touching a live contaminated surface and then touching your face, eyes or mouth.
Myth - Vaccines against pneumonia protects against coronavirus
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdFact - The truth is that no vaccines against pneumonia protects against COVID-19, this is a different virus and it needs its own vaccine. Scientists are currently conducting trials and studies to develop a vaccine. However, it's a lengthy process to produce, test and launch a vaccine for the masses, so experts are predicting it will take 18-24 months, and this is using an accelerated timetable. So, a vaccine is not going to stop the current outbreak. The race to develop a vaccine is therefore about stopping the future spread of infection.
Myth - Some antibiotics and some medications can prevent and treat Coronavirus
Fact – COVID-19 is a virus therefore antibiotics are not effective against viruses. There is no proof or evidence that specific medicines can fully prevent or fully treat Coronavirus, if the person is severely unwell the medication will be to manage the symptoms not the virus.
Myth - Gargling, using mouthwash and keeping your nose clean protects against Coronavirus
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdFact - There is no proof or evidence that gargling, using a mouthwash and keeping your nose clean protects against Coronavirus. Unfortunately, there is no evidence to suggest that regularly rinsing the nose with saline or gargling mouthwash will ward off COVID-19. Increasing hand hygiene and not touching the face will help to protect viral spread.
Myth - Hand dryers kill the Coronavirus
Fact - No, not even those made by James Dyson! Hand dryers are not effective in killing Coronavirus or any other known virus. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently with soap and water. Once your hands are cleaned, you should dry them thoroughly by using paper towels or a warm air dryer.
Myth - Covering up with DIY masks and gloves is a good idea
Fact – Social media and the news is awash with images of people wearing everything from face masks to full-face helmets forged from recycled water bottles with surgical/cotton gloves. Sales of paper masks and gloves have dramatically increased. Do any of these preventive methods work? No. Water bottles and plastic bags worn over the head pose a potential suffocation risk. Even surgical masks are unlikely to help as these are designed to keep droplets in, not out, and must be changed frequently. The wearing of gloves can lead to false confidence and decrease good hand hygiene. We need to ensure we regularly wash hands, not touch our face and keep surfaces clean.
Myth - Coronavirus was/is spread by animals to humans
Fact - For now, there is no proof that proves that animals or pets, such as dogs or cats can be infected with COVID-19, or it can spread between animals and humans. You should always wash your hands and face with soap and water after handling pets or animals.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdCheryl Lythgoe is Head Matron for Benenden Health, the not-for-profit organisation founded in 1905 and based in York since 1990.
Editor’s note: first and foremost - and rarely have I written down these words with more sincerity - I hope this finds you well.
Almost certainly you are here because you value the quality and the integrity of the journalism produced by The Yorkshire Post’s journalists - almost all of which live alongside you in Yorkshire, spending the wages they earn with Yorkshire businesses - who last year took this title to the industry watchdog’s Most Trusted Newspaper in Britain accolade.
And that is why I must make an urgent request of you: as advertising revenue declines, your support becomes evermore crucial to the maintenance of the journalistic standards expected of The Yorkshire Post. If you can, safely, please buy a paper or take up a subscription. We want to continue to make you proud of Yorkshire’s National Newspaper but we are going to need your help.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdPostal subscription copies can be ordered by calling 0330 4030066 or by emailing [email protected]. Vouchers, to be exchanged at retail sales outlets - our newsagents need you, too - can be subscribed to by contacting subscriptions on 0330 1235950 or by visiting www.localsubsplus.co.uk where you should select The Yorkshire Post from the list of titles available.
If you want to help right now, download our tablet app from the App / Play Stores. Every contribution you make helps to provide this county with the best regional journalism in the country.
Sincerely. Thank you.
James Mitchinson
Editor
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.