Coronavirus outbreak: A doctor debunks 6 of the biggest myths

By Avanti Dalal4 March 2020

Through Whatsapp forwards and unverified word-of-mouth, misinformation about protecting yourself during the coronavirus outbreak is rife. Here's what you should know and do instead

As coronavirus, or COVID-19 continues to dominate headlines and conversations, the amount of information on social media, the news and Whatsapp forwards can be overwhelming. As the positive cases in India begin to increase, most people are wondering how they can protect themselves from contracting the virus while in the throes of it all. While cautionary information is readily available, myths are just as easily circulated, especially as the news changes everyday. We spoke to Dr Vishakha Shivdasani, a Mumbai-based medical doctor specialising in nutritional and lifestyle ailments, for her take.

Myth: Antibiotics are helpful in protecting oneself from the virus

According to the WHO, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the new coronavirus. Even traditional anti-viral medications and vaccinations aren't formulated to fight this particular one. “Viruses do not respond to antibiotics. Only bacteria do. The only time we prescribe antibiotics to a patient with any viral infection is when there is a secondary bacterial infection," confirms Dr Shivdasani. “Antibiotics can actually backfire by reducing immunity if prescribed only for a viral infection,” she says.

Myth: The virus is only harmful to elderly individuals

“Everyone who is immunocompromised is susceptible,” says Dr Shivdasani, especially those with weak lungs and respiratory issues. “However, individuals above the age of 70, or infants are more likely to have increased chances of an infection, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.”

Myth: Using hand sanitiser is the best way to keep your protected

Dr Shivdasani is quick to say that soap and water is truly the best, but hand sanitiser is a great option when on the go. In the case of the former, the WHO does not differentiate between kinds of soap, but suggest that people wash their hands for 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice) and wash between their fingers and fingertips, sudsing up and scrubbing carefully. “Look for a hand sanitiser with over 60 per cent concentration of alcohol,” says Dr Shivdasani. After touching anything that other people may have (like an elevator button or railing,) rubbing the hand sanitiser onto the hands for 20 seconds is best. “You can wipe down arm rests, seats and anywhere you'll be placing your hands on for a while,” she says.

Myth: Immune-boosting foods like garlic can help protect you from coronavirus

“At this time, building and keeping your immunity up by reducing inflammation is important. Good food, sleep and exercise, and spices like turmeric and black pepper are great additions to your preparatory diet,” says Dr Shivdasani. But it won't do much to protect you from the virus itself. The air-borne virus is likely to enter your body through your mouth, nose or eyes when exposed to someone with it. The WHO says that while garlic might have antimicrobial properties, it has not been shown to help in the case of the coronavirus.

Myth: Wearing a mask all the time is the safest thing one can do

Wearing a mask can be a reminder to stop touching your face, but isn't required unless you're caring for or in contact with a COVID-19 patient, according to the WHO. “Health care providers and caregivers of infected people and immunocompromised people visiting crowded places like movie halls and the hospitals can wear a N95 mask. A regular surgical mask does not provide protection,” says Dr Shivdasani. With the shortage of masks in the global market, scooping them up and hoarding them can leave none for those that really need it. “More importantly, it may actually be detrimental to wear a mask as they're quite uncomfortable and even as doctors, we keep adjusting the mask which actually increases the chance of infection because one is constantly touching their nose, eyes and lips,” she says.

Myth: Gargling and using a saline solution can help

“Gargling with salt can help with inflammation, but won't protect you from the virus per se,” shares Dr Shivdasani. Rinsing the nose with a saline solution and home remedies like gargling can help soothe symptoms of the flu and the common cold, but hasn't been proven to help with COVID-19 in any way, according to the WHO.