Spread of False News About Combating Coronavirus; World Health Organization Responds to Rumors

In recent days, following reports of the coronavirus reaching Iran, numerous rumors about this disease and prevention methods that lack scientific basis have been circulating on some Telegram channels.

The World Health Organization launched a project several weeks after the outbreak of the coronavirus, now known by the new name “COVID-19”, to combat rumors spreading on the internet. Through this initiative, the organization provides accurate information to the public quickly.

The World Health Organization collaborates with Google, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter to prevent the spread of rumors about the “COVID-19” or coronavirus virus.

The organization shares correct information with blue graphics on its Instagram account.

Some of the rumors that the World Health Organization has responded to are as follows:

Is the virus transmitted from pets?

To date, there is no evidence that the virus is transmitted from pets to humans. However, the World Health Organization recommends washing your hands with soap after contact with pets to prevent bacteria such as E. Coli and Salmonella that are transmitted from animals to humans.

Do only elderly people need to be cautious?

No. People of any age can contract the coronavirus. However, elderly people and those with a history of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma are more vulnerable to the dangers of this virus if infected.

Does taking antibiotics have any effect?

Antibiotics cannot protect you against the virus. However, people infected with coronavirus in hospitals are given antibiotics to prevent bacterial infections.

What about vaccines?

Flu vaccines or pneumococcal vaccines do not protect you against the coronavirus because this is a new virus and a specific vaccine needs to be designed for it. However, the World Health Organization recommends vaccines against lung diseases including the triple vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough, or pneumococcal vaccine to maintain health.

Can breathing in thick smoke kill the virus?

No. Breathing in smoke is dangerous and does not prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Smoke from fireworks contains toxic gases and irritates the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.

They say consuming garlic is effective

Consuming garlic is beneficial for health due to its antibacterial effects; however, it does not prevent coronavirus.

If we apply sesame oil on the skin, will the virus disappear?

The use of sesame oil has no effect in destroying the coronavirus. Some chemicals – including those derived from chlorine, ether solvents, 75 percent ethanol, peracetic acid, and chloroform – are disinfectants and kill the virus on object surfaces. However, applying these substances to the skin or inhaling them is harmful.

Is it dangerous to receive mail or packages from China?

Receiving mail or packages from China is not dangerous; because the virus has a short lifespan and cannot remain on the surface of objects for a long time.

Can rinsing the nose with salt water wash away the virus?

The effect of regularly rinsing the nose with salt water in preventing respiratory infections has not been proven, although this may help reduce cold symptoms and aid faster recovery.

What about gargling with mouthwash?

Gargling with some mouthwashes can only eliminate some mouth bacteria for a few minutes; however, it has no effect in protecting humans against the coronavirus.

How about sleeping under an ultraviolet lamp?

No. Ultraviolet lamps have no effect in destroying the coronavirus and hands and body skin should never be disinfected this way.

Source: Voice of America