Fake news, myths and rumours about Coronavirus

Fake news is the fastest spreading news. Addressing the media, Odisha government’s chief spokesperson on COVID-19, Subrato Bagchi denoted out a dozen of wrong assumptions on Coronavirus infection.

The myths on Coronavirus, mentioned by Subroto Bagchi, are as follows:

• Myth 1: Rinsing the nose with saltwater protects against Coronavirus
  Bagchi: There is no evidence. It is fake news.
• Myth 2: Coronavirus will die off when temperatures rise to 25 degree Celsius
  Bagchi: It is fake news. Scientists from across the globe have not announced how temperature changes will influence the behaviour of Coronavirus.
• Myth 3: Coronavirus remains with your body till death
  Bagchi: Catching the Coronavirus does not mean you will have it for life.
• Myth 4: If you can hold your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing means you are free from COVID-19
  Bagchi: It is fake news. If a person holds his/her breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing or feeling discomfort doesn’t mean he/she is free from the coronavirus disease.
• Myth 5: Drinking alcohol prevents from Coronavirus
  Bagchi: False; instead, it can increase other health problems.
• Myth 6: Taking a hot bath prevents Coronavirus disease
  Bagchi: False
• Myth 7: Coronavirus transmits through mosquito bites
  Bagchi: It is fake news. There is no information from across the globe that mosquitoes can transmit Coronavirus. The Coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose.
• Myth 8: Eating garlic help prevent Coronavirus
  Bagchi: It is fake news. Garlic is a portion of healthy food. However, there is no evidence that eating garlic can protect people from Coronavirus.
• Myth 9: Coronavirus affects children and older people especially
  Bagchi: False. People of all ages can be infected with Coronavirus.
• Myth 10: Antibiotics kill Coronavirus
  Bagchi: It is fake news. Antibiotics do not kill viruses.
• Myth 11: Gargling with chlorine water help preventing Coronavirus
  Bagchi: Gargling with chlorine water doesn’t prevent Coronavirus; chlorine can be harmful to the body.
• Myth 12: Cats and dogs spread Coronavirus
  Bagchi: No, there is no scientific evidence that Coronavirus can infect cats and dogs.