Stay informed! Health experts debunk 10 of the biggest coronavirus myths

As the world continues to deal with the recent coronavirus outbreak, misinformation has begun to spread online regarding what can lead to infection and how best to protect yourself from falling victim to the virus.

Now leading health experts have debunked some of the more sensational myths about coronavirus – officially named COVID-19 – in a bid to stem the spread of false facts around the world.

The World Health Organisation shared responses to 10 of the biggest falsehoods relating to the global health emergency, from spraying yourself with chlorine to kill the virus or eating certain foods in a bid to increase your immunity, on social media this week.

It comes after other health professionals warned against the spread of sensationalised information, particularly by the mainstream media, including Rhonda Stuart from Monash Health who said that there is no need for Australians to panic about the spread of the virus.

Here’s what the World Health Organisation (WHO) said.

Can spraying alcohol or chlorine over your body kill the new coronavirus?

“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).”

Can gargling mouthwash protect you from infection with the 2019-nCoV?

“No. There is no evidence that using mouthwash will protect you from infection with the new coronavirus.”

Can regularly rinsing your nose with saline solution help prevent infection with 2019-nCoV?

“No. There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline solution has protected people from infection with the new coronavirus.”

Can eating garlic help prevent infection with 2019-nCoV?

“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 2019-nCoV.”

Can the smoke and gas from fireworks and firecrackers prevent 2019-nCoV?

“No. Breathing in the smoke and gas from a firework or firecracker is dangerous and does not kill the new coronavirus.”

Does putting on sesame oil block the 2019-nCoV from entering the body?

“No. Sesame oil does not kill the new coronavirus.

“There are some chemical disinfectants that can kill the 2019-nCoV on surfaces. These include bleach/chlorine-based disinfectants, ether solvents, 75% ethanol, peracetic acid and chloroform.”

Is it safe to receive a letter or a package from China?

“Yes, it is safe. People receiving packages from China are not at risk of contracting 2019-nCoV. From previous analysis, we know coronaviruses do not survive long on objects, such as letters or packages.”

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.”

Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus?

“No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. The 2019-nC0V is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment.”

Can pets at home spread the new coronavirus?

“At present, there is no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs, cats can be infected with the virus. However, it is always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets.”

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.