Myth- COVID -19
A collage of images tweeted by @PIBFactCheck and @WHOSEARO debunking proliferation of myths, remedies and other related fake news on various social media platforms on COVID-19. (Morung Graphic)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 25
Amid the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic across the globe, proliferation of myths, remedies and other related fake news on various social media platforms too are increasing exponentially.
Such messages are regularly employed by fraudsters to apparently to “racking up bogus ad clicks that ultimately bring revenues for the operators of any given campaign," according to cybersecurity firm ESET.
The recent COVID-19 crisis is no exception. However, there are also various fact-checking outlets –both national and international agencies such as World Health Organisation (WHO) and India’s Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check have constantly been debunking such claims and myths.
Here are some myths and remedies spreading on social media that purportedly offer ways of combating the COVID and debunked by the fact checking agencies
Myth: Tea cures COVID19
Fact: NO! There is no evidence to prove that Tea can cure Coronavirus, PIB Fact Check tweeted on March 25.
“Beware of #Fake remedies spreading on social media that purports to offer ways of combating the Coronavirus,” it said.
Meanwhile, the official handle of DD Shillong debunked the same in another tweet.
No cure has been found yet for Covid19 and drug trials are ongoing, it said.
“Drink your tea, Hot beverage...Don't expect it to cure Covid19!”
Myth: Lemon or turmeric can prevent COVID-19
Fact: There is no scientific evidence that lemon/turmeric prevents COVID-19, WHO South-East Asia stated on a Twitter post on March 24.
However, in general WHO recommends consuming adequate fruit and vegetable as part of a healthy diet, it said.
Myth: eating frozen foods and ice-cream spread the COVID-19
Fact: There is no scientific evidence that eating hygienically made frozen food and ice-cream spreads the new Coronavirus, WHO said.
Myth: Drinking lots of water every 15 minutes flush out & protects against COVID-19
Fact: There is NO evidence that drinking lots of water flushes out the new Coronavirus.
However, for good health, it is recommended to have adequate water, WHO recommended.
PIB Fact Check account also tweeted a similar post saying drinking water does not prevent COVID-19.
Myth: Eating chicken causes the spread of COVID-19
Fact: A: Eating hygienically prepared and well-cooked chicken Poultry is safe and does not cause the spread of the new Coronavirus, according to WHO.
Myth: Hold breath for 10 second without discomfort and you don’t have COVID 19
FACT: Most young patients with Coronavirus will be able to hold their breaths for more the 10 second and many elderly won't be able to do the same. Hence, it is fake news, PIB Fact Check concluded.
Mythbusters from WHO
MYTH:
- Hot and humid climates can prevent COVID-19 virus transmission
- Cold weather and snow CAN kill the COVID-19
- Taking a hot bath CAN prevent the COVID-19
- Hand dryers are effective in killing the 2019-nCoV.
- UV lamps CAN kill Virus.
- Spraying/Drinking alcohol or chlorine all over your body will kill viruses that have already entered your body.
- Eating garlic help can prevent infection from COVID-19
FACT:
- The COVID-19 cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites.
- People of all ages can be infected. Older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease etc) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.
- Antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria.
- There is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat COVID-19
- Smoking and wearing multiple masks NOT effective against COVID-2019 and can be harmful
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