6 dangerous myths about coronavirus: WHO

Along with the spread of the deadly coronavirus, misinformation about the disease has also caused undue panic around the world. To help clear misunderstandings about the pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently shared six dangerous myths about the coronavirus.

1. You can catch it from letters and packages sent from China. Fact check: the virus does not survive long enough on objects
2. You can catch it from pets. Fact check: there’s no evidence that pets can be infected.
3. A pneumonia vaccine provides protection. Fact check: coronavirus needs its own vaccine, and scientists are working on it.
4. Antibiotics are an effective treatment. Fact check: antibiotics only work on bacteria, not viruses.
5. Eating garlic could help. Fact check: while it might keep people away, however, it won’t fend off the coronavirus.
6. Only old people are at risk. Fact check: anyone can catch it. People with conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease are more vulnerable to getting severely ill.

With these myths in mind, we can be sure not to become a victim of any false information floating around about the lethal virus. Exposure to illnesses can be reduced by frequently washing your hands, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with anyone who has a fever or cough.

Read More: Here’s how you can protect yourself from coronavirus