Fake Coronavirus WhatsApp Messages Are On the Rise, Here Are a Few Myth Busters

While more and more cases of 2019-nCoV are being reported across the globe, panic and fear among people regarding the dreaded Coronavirus is increasing as well. What is giving rise to unwarranted panic amongst people is the upsurge in fake Coronavirus WhatsApp messages. Right from spreading misinformation on the symptoms to asking people to treat themselves at home with certain food items, these messages are seemingly becoming more of a threat than the virus itself.

“SERIOUS EXCELLENT ADVICE by Japanese doctors treating COVID-19 cases.  Everyone should ensure your mouth & throat is moist, never DRY. Take a few sips of water every 15 mins at least. WHY?  Even if the virus gets into your mouth...drinking water or other liquids will WASH them down through your oesophagus and into the stomach. Once there in tummy...your stomach ACID will kill all the virus. If you don't drink enough water more regularly...the virus can enter your windpipes and into the LUNGS. That's very dangerous,” says one such fake message.

While another message suggests that people with fever should cover themselves to increase the temperature as the “virus cannot survive” in high temperatures.

Furthermore, other messages suggest that eating ginger, garlic, and other such food items may prevent one from acquiring the virus. Nevertheless, WHO has put out a list of myth busters, which people can take a look at to tackle the misinformation menace.

Most Coronavirus WhatsApp Messages are Fake: Here’s the Truth

1. Myth: Keeping throat moist kills virus; Fact: There is no evidence to suggest this is true. Drinking water keeps one hydrated; however, it does not “kill” the virus.
2. Myth: People with fever should keep themselves warm as heat kills virus; Fact: This message is potentially dangerous as the first thing one must do if they suspect they have fever due to the Coronavirus is go to the hospital before the infection worsens.
3. Myth: Eating garlic, ginger and other food items can prevent the Coronavirus; Fact: While these are healthy food items that may have some antimicrobial properties, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic or ginger has protected people from the new Coronavirus, says the WHO website.
4. Myth: Antibiotics can kill the virus; Fact: Antibiotics are ineffective against any virus.
5. Myth: Receiving packages from China can cause Coronavirus; Fact: Receiving packages cannot cause Coronavirus as the virus cannot survive for long on objects such as letters or packages.
6. Myth: Using alcohol, chlorine, nasal sprays or sesame oil can prevent Coronavirus; Fact: Using alcohol, chlorine, nasal sprays or sesame oil will not kill viruses that have already entered your body.

What Can One Do to Prevent Spread of Coronavirus

Here are some Basic protective measures against the new Coronavirus as issued on the WHO website.

1. Frequently wash hands with soap and water, and use alcohol-based rub to keep hands clean.
2. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unclean hands as viruses can enter through these organs and make one sick.
3. Avoid travel to countries with a high number of infected cases.
4. Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
5. Cover your nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing.
6. Cook raw meat and eggs properly before consumption.
7. If symptoms occur, such as fever, or cough or difficulty breathing - travellers are advised to contact local health care providers, preferably by phone, and inform them of their symptoms and their travel history.

People are advised to turn to trusted sources such as WHO website, verified Twitter handles or Facebook pages of the World Health Organisation, and so on when they receive WhatsApp forwards to check the authenticity of the message. People should also take care not to forward fake Coronavirus WhatsApp messages to prevent spreading unnecessary panic and misinformation.