The most important theses on self-defense against coronavirus. Debunking Popular Myths

WHO recommendations

We know that you have already seen this kind of information many times and are well acquainted with it. Nevertheless, we consider it our duty to once again remind you of the main recommendations that will protect you and your loved ones from infection.

1. Wash your hands regularly and treat them with an alcohol-based hand rub. Always carry antiseptics with you, even if you leave the house for 1-2 minutes. If there is a virus on the surface of the hands, rubbing alcohol on the hands or washing them with soap and water will kill the virus.
2. Keep your distance in public places. Keep a distance of at least 1 meter from people, especially if they have a cough, runny nose and fever. If you are too close to such a person, you can catch the virus by breathing in the air.
3. Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth! We touch our faces many times throughout the day. If the hands contain any bacterial material, then thanks to this, it will enter our body faster.
4. Observe the rules of respiratory hygiene: when coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the bend of your elbow; Dispose of the tissue immediately in a trash can with a lid and clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing helps prevent the spread of viruses and other pathogens. If you cover your nose and mouth with your hand when you cough or sneeze, germs can get on your hands and then on objects or people you touch.
5. Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you develop a fever, cough, or have difficulty breathing. Fever, cough, and difficulty breathing require immediate medical attention as they may be caused by a respiratory infection or other serious illness. Respiratory symptoms associated with fever can have a variety of causes, including 2019-nCoV, depending on the patient’s travel and contacts. Do not resort to traditional medicine! If there is a possibility that you have contracted the coronavirus, then no recipes with ginger and cloves will help. The sooner you contact a specialist, the greater the chances of a quick recovery.
6. Try to limit your stay in public crowded places as much as possible. The highest risk of infection is there. If you have the opportunity to work remotely, then be sure to use it. Do not neglect this precaution.
7. Keep up to date with the latest information and follow the advice of medical professionals.

Additional important information

Many believe that wearing latex or rubber gloves will effectively prevent infection. In fact, the WHO advises that it is more effective to frequently sanitize hands. The causative agent of COVID 19 can contaminate rubber gloves. If you touch your face afterwards, you will transfer the virus from the surface of the gloves to your face and expose yourself to the risk of infection.

The most common myths about coronavirus

Over a relatively short period of existence, the coronavirus has acquired a huge number of myths and legends that make it difficult to correctly coordinate actions to reduce its spread. Let’s figure out together which information can be trusted, and which should be taken only as fakes.

Myth #1: Transmission of the COVID-19 virus occurs primarily in hot, humid climates?

According to data currently available to WHO, transmission of the COVID-19 virus may occur in any areas, including areas with a hot humid climate. Protective measures must be taken regardless of climatic conditions. Regular handwashing is the best way to protect yourself from COVID-19. This measure allows you to eliminate possible viral contamination of your hands and avoid infection if you touch your eyes, mouth or nose.

Myth #2: Will being outside in cold and snowy weather help kill the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV)?

No, it won’t help. The body temperature of a healthy person is kept in the range from 36.5 ° to 37 ° — regardless of the ambient temperature or weather. That’s why there is no reason to believethat being outside in cold weather helps fight the new coronavirus infection or other illnesses.

Myth #3: Can a Hot Bath Help Against the New Coronavirus Infection?

Taking a hot bath does not prevent infection COVID-19. Normal body temperature is between 36.5°C and 37°C, regardless of the temperature of the water in the bath or shower. On the contrary, taking too hot a bath can be harmful and cause burns.

Myth #4: Is it true that electric hand dryers can kill the 2019-nCoV virus?

No. Hand dryers do not kill the virus 2019-nCoV. To prevent a new coronavirus infection, you should regularly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Myth #5: Is it true that an ultraviolet disinfection lamp (UV lamp) can kill the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)?

No, it’s not. UV lamps should not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of the skin, as UV radiation can cause erythema (irritation) of the skin.

Myth #6: Is it true that treating the entire body with ethanol or bleach can kill the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV)?

No. Whole body treatment with alcohol or bleach won’t kill virusesthat have already entered the body. Spraying such substances can harm clothing and mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth). It should be remembered that both alcohol and bleach can be effective surface disinfectants, but they must be used in appropriate cases and in accordance with the rules. Better to just wash your hands with soap more often.

Myth #7: Can regularly rinsing your nose with saline help prevent infection with the new coronavirus?

No. scientific data that regularly rinsing the nose with saline can protect against the new coronavirus infection, No. According to some reports, regularly rinsing the nose with saline can speed up recovery from the common cold. However, there is no evidence that regular nasal lavage is effective in preventing respiratory infections.

Myth #8: Does garlic protect against infection with the new coronavirus?

Garlic is a health food that has certain antimicrobial properties, the WHO notes. However, during the current outbreak, there has been no evidence that garlic is effective in preventing infection with the novel coronavirus.

Myth #9: Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus infection?

No, antibiotics against viruses do not work. They only treat bacterial infections. The novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus and therefore antibiotics should not be used to prevent or treat coronavirus infection.

Myth #10: Are there medicines available to prevent or treat a new coronavirus infection?

So far recommended medicinesintended for the prevention or treatment of infection caused by the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), No. Work is underway to create specific drugs against the new coronavirus, and they will have to undergo clinical trials. On March 16, the US began testing a vaccine against the virus.

How to deal with stress and panic

All of us now, in part, are in a state of anxiety. If you experience feelings of sadness, stress, confusion, fear, or annoyance during a crisis, this is normal. Keep active communication with your family and friends, they will help you get through a difficult period and not lose heart. If you or your family members are bothered and disturbed by media reports, spend less time watching or listening to them.

Do not smoke or use alcohol or other psychoactive substances to suppress your emotions. If they are too strong, seek medical or psychological help. Prepare a plan in advance where and how you will apply.

We, in turn, advise you not to panic, treat all of the above recommendations responsibly and try to benefit even from such a seemingly negative period: devote your quarantine time to activities that you have been postponing for so long, engage in self-study, hobbies or cleaning . And most importantly, take care of your loved ones!