FACT OR FICTION?

by: Shabdika Gubba

edited by: Riona Carringtion & Harvi Karatha, layout by: Inchara J

COVID-19 has changed the world as we know it, and it is important to know what information is real, and what information is wrong. Staying educated is one of the first steps to making sure this pandemic doesn’t go on for any longer.

MYTH: Thermal scanners can detect COVID-19.

While thermal scanners are very useful, they can only detect your temperature: this can be useful for detecting fevers. Fevers are one of the symptoms of COVID, but fevers have many causes. If you have a fever, it does NOT necessarily mean you have COVID-19 and does not indicate that you don't have COVID-19.

MYTH: Antibiotics can protect and cure COVID-19.

COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus: hence, its name is coronavirus. Antibiotics are for bacterial infections: they won’t protect you against COVID-19. Don’t use antibiotics unless prescribed to you by a doctor. Antivirals are used against viruses

MYTH: Adding pepper to your food can prevent and cure COVID-19.

People sometimes use pepper to treat cold symptoms because it has Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an immunity booster and has antibacterial properties. While I personally love pepper and spicy food, COVID-19 is a virus, and the antibacterial properties won’t protect you. There is no scientific evidence to support that pepper can help against COVID-19.

MYTH: All masks are effective.

There are many different masks out there, from bandanas to surgical masks. A common misconception is that all masks are helpful. However, there are some masks which can make the problem worse. According to a study done by Duke University, bandanas, scarves, and neck fleeces actually spread more droplets than having no mask at all, which increases the risk of spread and infection. This is because larger droplets are split apart through the mask, and these smaller droplets can go farther than the normal droplets. On the other hand, N95 masks are the most effective, but most public health officials urge that you do not buy these because they are reserved for medical professionals.

COVID-19 is still a very big issue, and as the pandemic goes on, more and more false information can be spread. It is important to stay informed and use your critical thinking skills to stay safe.

References

https://www.wbrc.com/2020/08/10/your-face-covering-maybe-doing-more-harm-thangood/#:~:text=But%20he%20said%20not%20all,doing%20mor e%20harm%20than%20good.&text=Surgical%20masks%2C%2 0and%20homemade%20cotton,don't%20do%20much%20good

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novelcoronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters