We debunked 9 coronavirus myths (so you don’t have to)

ARTICLE

27 March 2020

8 mins read

Wellness

When it comes to dealing with a global pandemic like COVID-19, myths and legends are best left to the ancient Greeks.

The trouble with a pandemic in the age of the internet, is that anyone can post any information or advice, at any time, and have it seen by potentially millions of people around the world.

A lot of the time, it doesn’t matter if that information contains even a grain of evidence. And while some of it is shared in good faith – i.e. people actually believe that rubbing sesame oil all over your body will save them from coronavirus – some of it isn’t, and can cause widespread confusion and potentially even put lives at risk. Did you hear the one about cow urine? Sheesh.

In a bid to help you separate fact from fiction, we’ve debunked a few of the more prevalent coronavirus myths:

Myth #1: Eating garlic will protect you from coronavirus

Garlic is very good for you. It’s low in calories and relatively high in vitamin C, manganese and vitamin B6. It’s been linked to lower cholesterol, may prevent dementia and can help reduce blood pressure. But as the coronavirus pandemic has ramped up, there’s been increasing talk of garlic being able to combat viruses, infections and other cold- and flu-like illnesses. Unfortunately, the claims of garlic’s effectiveness on the common cold rely heavily on “poor quality evidence”, and there is certainly no evidence that it would be effective as a treatment against coronavirus. So eat your garlic, by all means – but don’t expect it to protect you.

Myth #2: You can test for coronavirus by holding your breath

Social media users have been claiming that you can self-check for coronavirus by holding your breath for 10 seconds. Some even claim the information originated from a Stanford Hospital Board member (Stanford Health Care has since denied vehemently these claims). The yarn goes that if you can do it without discomfort, coughing, or tightness – you don’t have the infection.

This is, of course, wildly untrue. As per a tweet from Dr. Faheem Younus, Chief of Infectious Diseases at the University of Maryland: “Wrong: Most young patients with coronavirus will be able to hold their breaths for much longer than 10 seconds. And many elderly without the virus won’t be able to do it.” If you think you have symptoms, call your doctor, and follow your local government advice.

Myth #3: The virus can survive on surfaces for up to one month

Elsewhere on social media, people have been claiming that the virus can survive for up to one month on metal, glass, plastic or other surfaces. But similar to MERS and SARS, the science shows this virus doesn’t survive well on hard surfaces.

A recent study by the New England Journal of Medicine found that virus was undetectable on plastic after 72 hours, on stainless steel and cardboard after 48 hours, and on copper after eight hours. Other research found that it could last on surfaces for anywhere up to nine days. So go with the 72-hour to nine-day window, and keep washing those hands.

Myth #4: Drinking cow urine can protect you from infection

In India, cow urine and dung have long been used as a traditional remedy to help cure a range of diseases and ailments. An MP from one of India’s ruling parties even recently said she thinks cow dung can “kill the coronavirus” and many vendors around the country are diversifying their offerings to sell jars of cow pee and poo to the mass.

Alas, this wave of bovine entrepreneurialism is likely all in vain. “There is no medical evidence to show that cow urine has anti-viral characteristics,” Dr Shailendra Saxena, of the Indian Virological Society, told BBC News. In fact, engaging in the consumption of either cow urine or dung could expose you to a range of other diseases. Best to steer clear.

Myth #5: Taking antibiotics can help treat coronavirus

That’s a negative. Coronavirus is a virus, not bacterial infection, and antibiotics won’t do a thing to help (because antibiotics only work against bacteria).

Myth #6: Young and healthy people can’t get sick from coronavirus

It’s true that the coronavirus is deadliest for people over 80 and for those with underlying health conditions, but nobody has a 0% risk and younger people can still experience severe symptoms. Some 14.3% of infected 20-44 year olds are likely to be hospitalised, according to research by Vox.com, with 2% needing the ICU and a 0.1% fatality rate in this demographic. The risk increases dramatically for the older demographics, but – quite literally – nobody is immune to this thing. (Although there have been no fatalities in kids under 10 so far!)

Myth #7: You can catch coronavirus by eating meat

Peta UK posted an article on January 31 that claiming that “coronavirus may be related to meat-eating.” While it’s true that the virus first emerged in a Chinese wet market, where humans and animals share extremely cramped quarters, and that the virus may have originated in animals, there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted through food. According to Food Standards Australia New Zealand and the European Food Safety Authority, “food is not a likely source or route of the virus.”

Myth #8: Spraying your body with alcohol will kill the coronavirus

Spraying your body in alcohol or chlorine – as some social media users have suggested – will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. It could also be, you know, pretty uncomfortable to be covered in either alcohol or chlorine, and it is not recommended under any circumstances, according to the World Health Organisation.

Myth #9: Covering yourself in some combination of sesame or coconut oil will protect you from coronavirus

It won’t. But you will smell delicious, which could be considered a silver living.

We haven’t linked to any of the myths mentioned in this article, since we do not want to promote or endorse misinformation.

Staff Writer

Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstance

Disclaimer:
This is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a financial adviser, or medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.

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