What is Novel Coronavirus – Coronavirus is a dark and dreary reality that we are facing as a species. The rising numbers of affected people and a plethora of issues have led to utter chaos amongst international audiences.
The officials from many countries are either underreporting, miscommunicating or staying silent on the subject. The gaps about the situation have allowed a lot of self-proclaimed experts to publish garbage on their forums and wreak havoc in the minds of the readers.
We felt the need to take a step in the right direction to help all of our readers. We wanted to provide indisputable facts and let our readers know the truth for themselves. When our writers started their research, they were baffled by the sheer number of myths posted online and how ridiculous they seemed after a little background check.
Here is a fact-based article that pops the myths surrounding the Novel Coronavirus. We hope that this little effort of ours would help you get prepared for the rollercoaster ride that is to come.
Are you ready?
1.The novel coronavirus was created in a laboratory and released by scientists
FALSE
Viruses evolve with time. On the occasional accounts of a virus outbreak, a virus common amongst animals such as bats, pigs, or other birds develops further and eventually passes to human beings. Hence, the origin of this new disease is evolutionary biology and not a pre-planned scientific mission.
2. COVID-19 can be cured by vaccines
FALSE
We do not have any vaccine available to cure this Coronavirus at the moment. Medical scientists are working day in and day out to develop a safe and effective vaccine. However, the process is rather tedious and would take several months to complete.
3. The Novel Coronavirus is just another mutation of the common cold
FALSE
COVID-19 is in no shape, way, or form the common cold. It is a large family of viruses. It shares common attributes with other coronaviruses, which have previously caused the common cold as a symptom of infection.
These viruses are powered by spikes on their surface that infect host cells with spike proteins. Studies have suggested that COVID-19 shares almost 90% of its genetic substance from the type of coronaviruses that are common in bats. SARS and MERS are two robust examples of the case.
4. Gargling or swallowing liquids such as acetic acid, ethanol, or salt water can act as protection from COVID-19
FALSE
- These recommendations are absolutely absurd and have no reasoning to be carried out as prevention for COVID-19. These seem to be very dangerous and can cause severe damage to the throat and esophagus.
- The most reliable preventive measure is following a strict hygiene routine:
- Washing hands for over 20 seconds with soap and clean water.
- Practice social distancing to avoid the spread of the disease.
- Self-quarantine if you have developed any symptoms of the disease after traveling.
5. Everyone must wear a face mask
FALSE
No. This is definitely not true. The standard surgical masks are not reliable for the prevention of COVID-19 as they are not aimed to block out respiratory fluids. They do not fit the face close enough to keep the expelled droplets away. The surgical masks can help infected individuals restrict the spread of their respiratory droplets.
However, the N95 Respirators are a completely different story. These masks are the saving grace for the medical fraternity. The users require specific training to use these masks so that they fit flush to the face and sit appropriately on the cheeks, chin, and nose.
Because these vital instruments are minimal, we should all try to empathize with the medical professionals and let them use these. Healthy people do not require any of the masks if they are safe following the rules of social distancing. So support your doctors!
6. COVID-19 is easy to detect at home
FALSE
If you have the Coronavirus, you will not be able to decipher whether you have been infected or not. There is a wide range of symptoms involved, which are shared amongst other common illnesses of the respiratory tract, such as flu.
The common symptoms are cough, fever, and difficulty in breathing. However, exceptions such as dizziness, nausea, and runny nose have also been observed. The disease has the potential to progress into a pneumonia-like state.
For this purpose, there are ERs to help you detect the virus at an early age. So instead of wasting your time at home, it’s better to seek help from the professionals.
7. Children are immune to the disease
FALSE
Kids can catch the virus too. Despite the initial reports suggesting fewer cases amongst the young cohort as opposed to adults, studies from the Hubei province of China has stated that 2.2% of cases involved included children under the age of 19 years.
There is an ongoing debate about the plausibility of another claim going on. Some doctors have suggested that immature organ systems of young children prevent the onslaught of the novel Coronavirus on more youthful bodies.
8. Vitamin C can save you from COVID-19
FALSE
Vitamin C is often considered a panacea. The truth of the fact is that there has been no scientific evidence behind this growing claim. Increasing the dose of Vitamin C cannot ward off the spread of this epidemic. If it fails to protect you from the common cold, how can one expect this weak substance to defend them from a novel virus?
The vitamin has essential uses for the human body in the capacity of an anti-oxidant, synthesizer of hormones, and it also facilitates the build-up of collagen. So, it should always be included in your diet, but not to save you from COVID-19.
9. Catching the Coronavirus is the end
FALSE
COVID-19 is not a death sentence. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention stated that 81% of the cases had a milder version of the disease and were able to recuperate quickly. Only 14% of the cases were severe enough to cause difficulty breathing or needed oxygen supplementation.
The disease holds populations above 60 at a vulnerable spot. People with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and addictions are more likely to contract infections.
Final Thoughts
There is no denial from the fact that the Coronavirus is a malignant disease that silently creeps up. You never know where you can contract it. It could be your garbage can, a railing beside the staircase, the book that you just borrowed from a friend. It could be anywhere.
Hence why we would urge everyone to stay indoors and avoid interacting with anyone in person. Stay Home, Stay Safe!
