Coronavirus Myth Busting with the World Health Organization

The spread and uncertainty of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has left us with a lot of questions, particularly about the signs and symptoms, the best precautions to take, and what we can do to ensure the health and safety of our loved ones and ourselves. We at Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU) are with you all the way. Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) tackles some common myths and misnomers.

These questions were adapted from the World Health Organization "Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) advice for the public: Myth busters" website [1].

It seems like the  new coronavirus really only affects older people. Are younger people also at risk for acquiring the disease?

The novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) can infect people of all ages. However, older people and people with pre-existing medical morbidities (such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease) seem to be more at risk to becoming severely ill with the virus. 

The WHO advises all people regardless of their age to take the proper precautions to protect themselves from the virus, including good hand and respiratory hygiene.

I've heard that a handful of different home remedies, like gargling mouthwash, eating garlic, and putting sesame oil on your body, can prevent the novel coronavirus. Is this true? 

No, there is no evidence that these types of home remedies can protect you from infection from the 2019-nCoV. 

While some brands of mouthwash, for example, can eliminate certain microbes in the saliva of your mouth for a few minutes, this does not necessarily mean that it will protect against the novel coronavirus. Similarly, using sesame oil does not kill the coronavirus. There are some chemical disinfectants that can be used to kill the virus on various surfaces, as we learned in this article. However, do not use these disinfectants on your skin or under your nose, as they can be harmful to your health.

Garlic is a healthy food that contains some antimicrobial properties, but there is no evidence that eating it will protect people from the current outbreak of novel coronavirus.

What about regularly rinsing your nose with a saline solution? Can that prevent the new coronavirus?

There is no evidence to support that rinsing your nose with saline can protect people from infection with the new coronavirus. While there is limited research which shows regularly rinsing your nose with saline can help people recover more quickly from a cold, this has not been shown to prevent other respiratory infections, such as the 2019-nCoV.

Can the coronavirus be spread through packages and letters? Is it safe to receive mail from China?

People receiving packages or letters from China are not at risk of contracting the 2019-nCoV. Previous studies have shown that coronaviruses do not survive long on objects, including letters and packages.

I've been hearing a lot of rumors about pets. Can dogs and cats spread the novel coronavirus?

Currently, there is no evidence that companion animals, such as dogs or cats, can be infected with the new coronavirus. It is always a good idea, however, to wash your hands with soap and running water after petting, walking, and coming into contact with pets. This can protect you against various common bacteria. 

I know there are vaccines for pneuomonia. Can this protect me against 2019-nCoV?

Unfortunately, vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), do not provide protection against the new coronavirus. It is new and thus, needs its own vaccine. 

The WHO is currently supporting researchers who are trying to develop a vaccine against the disease. Additionally, vaccination against other respiratory illnessess is highly recommended to protect your health. 

Can antibiotics be used to prevent and treat the new coronavirus?

Antibiotics only work against bacteria, not viruses like the 2019-nCoV. If you are hospitalized for the 2019-nCoV, you may receive antibiotics, as bacterial co-infection is possible.

Can I take any other medications to help prevent or treat the new coronavirus?

Currently, there is no specific recommended medicine to prevent or treat the new coronavirus, though some treatments are under investigation and being tested in clinical trials. However, those who do become infected will receive appropriate care to relieve and treat the associated symptoms. Individuals with severe illness should receive optimized supportive care.

References:

1. The World Health Organization (WHO). Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) advice for the public: Myth busters. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019. 

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