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Coronavirus disease (COVID-19),
The advent of the COVID-19 has created a lot of misinformation about its spread, prevention and mortality. Sometimes such information can create a lot of panic and confusion which might not help to stop the spread of the disease. NFC bank has been taking some measures to ensure that its staff and customers stay safe. Find below some myths and facts about the coronavirus.
1) 5G mobile networks DO NOT spread COVID-19
Viruses cannot travel on radio waves/mobile networks.
COVID-19 is spreading in many countries that do not have 5G mobile networks. COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. People can also be infected by touching a contaminated surface and then their eyes, mouth or nose..
2) Exposing yourself to the sun or to temperatures higher than 25°C DOES NOT prevent the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
You can catch COVID-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. Countries with hot weather have reported cases of COVID-19. Please follow the WHO, Ministry of health recommendations on COVID – 19 prevention.
3) You can recover from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Catching the new coronavirus DOES NOT mean you will have it for life.
Most of the people who catch COVID-19 can recover and eliminate the virus from their bodies completely. If you catch the disease, make sure you treat your symptoms. If you have cough, fever, and difficulty in breathing, seek medical care early – but call your health facility by telephone first. In the case of Cameroon, call 1510 for any emergency. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care.
4) Being able to hold your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing or feeling discomfort DOES NOT mean you are free from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) or any other lung disease..
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are dry cough, tiredness and fever. Some people may develop more severe forms of the disease, such as pneumonia. The best way to confirm if you have the virus producing COVID-19 disease is with a laboratory test. You cannot confirm it with this breathing exercise, which can even be dangerous.
5) Drinking alcohol does not protect you against COVID-19 and can be dangerous
Frequent or excessive alcohol consumption can increase your risk of health problems.
6) COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates
From the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather. Regardless of the external temperature or weather/climate, adopt protective measures if you live in, or travel to an area reporting COVID-19.
7) Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the new coronavirus.
There is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill the new coronavirus or other diseases. The normal human body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the external temperature or weather.
8) Taking a hot bath does not prevent the new coronavirus disease
Taking a hot bath will not prevent you from catching COVID-19. Your normal body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower. Actually, taking a hot bath with extremely hot water can be harmful, as it can burn you.
9) The new coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites.
To date there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes. The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose.
10) Are hand dryers effective in killing the new coronavirus?
No. Hand dryers are not effective to kill COVID-19.
11) Can an ultraviolet disinfection lamp kill the new coronavirus?
UV lamps should not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.
12) How effective are thermal scanners in detecting people infected with the new coronavirus?
Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have developed a fever (i.e. have a higher than normal body temperature) because of infection with the new coronavirus. However, they cannot detect people who are infected but are not yet sick with fever. This is because it takes between 2 and 10 days before people who are infected become sick and develop a fever.
13) Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the new coronavirus?
No. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth). Be aware that both alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations.
14) Do vaccines against pneumonia protect you against the new coronavirus?
No. Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against
the new coronavirus.
The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine against COVID-19, and WHO is supporting their efforts.
15) Can regularly rinsing your nose with saline help prevent infection with the new coronavirus?
No. There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with the new coronavirus.
There is some limited evidence that regularly rinsing nose with saline can help people recover more quickly from the common cold. However, regularly rinsing the nose has not been shown to prevent respiratory infections.
16) Can eating garlic help prevent infection with the new coronavirus?
Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from the new coronavirus. 17) Does the new coronavirus affect older people, or are younger people also susceptible?
People of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus (COVID-19). Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.
WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory
hygiene.
18) Are there any specific medicines to prevent or treat the new coronavirus?
To date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the new coronavirus (COVID—19).
However, those infected with the virus should receive appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms, and those with severe illness should receive
optimized supportive care. Some specific treatments are under investigation, and will be tested through clinical trials. WHO is helping to accelerate research and development efforts with a range of partners.
The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by; frequently cleaning your hands with alcoholbased hand rub or washing them with soap and water. Once your hands are cleaned, you should dry them thoroughly by using paper towels or a warm air dryer.
By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur from touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
Let us continue practicing the preventive measures below,
- Keeping Social distancing,
- Stay indoors and only go out if necessary
- Wearing of face masks
- Covering of mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Calling your doctor if you suspect any symptoms.
- Avoid crowded areas
Let us keep ourselves informed and follow the recommendations given by WHO and Ministry of health.
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