Coronavirus myths vs facts

Myth: The Coronavirus doesn’t exist in hot and humid climates

Fact: Unfortunately, from the evidence so far, the Coronavirus can be transmitted everywhere, including places with hot and humid weather. That’s why it’s important to follow the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) tips to protect yourself and your baby from Coronavirus wherever you live or might be travelling to.

Myth: Cold weather eliminates the Coronavirus

Fact: The human body, where the virus thrives, has an average temperature around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the external temperature or weather. So cold weather does not eliminate the Coronavirus.

Fact: Giving a hot bath to your little one will not prevent them from catching the virus. Their body temperature stays at 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of the bath or shower. Also be careful when giving a hot bath, because very hot water is harmful to your child. The best way to protect your child and yourself is to follow the advice from the WHO.

Myth: The Coronavirus can be transmitted from mosquito bites

Fact: There has been no evidence to date to suggest that the Coronavirus can be transmitted by mosquitoes. The Coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose.

Myth: Thermal scanners can detect infants infected with the Coronavirus

Fact: Thermal scanners are useful for a fever in a child (i.e. they have a temperature) possibly due to infection with the Coronavirus or due to other reasons. However, they cannot detect children who are infected but don’t have feverish symptoms. This is because children sometimes won’t show feverish symptoms at all, or because it takes between 2-10 days for people infected with the Coronavirus to develop into a fever with high temperatures.

Myth: Rinsing my child’s nose with saline solution helps prevent Coronavirus infection.

Fact: There is no evidence that regularly rinsing with saline solution protects your tot from respiratory infections such as the Coronavirus. Yet, regularly rinsing their nose with saline solution can help them recover from a common cold.

Myth: The Coronavirus doesn’t affect young people

Fact: People of all ages can be infected with the Coronavirus. Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill from the virus. The WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus. To find out more, click here.

Myth: Antibiotics prevent and treat the Coronavirus

Fact: Antibiotics do not work against viruses. Therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment for a Coronavirus infection. However, in the case of hospitalisation, a patient may receive antibiotics because of bacterial co-infection.

Myth: There are already medications that prevent or treat a Coronavirus infection

Fact: Unfortunately to date there is no specific medicine to prevent or treat the new Coronavirus. The WHO is currently working with institutions around the world to accelerate research and develop a vaccine and treatment as soon as possible. The best way to fight the virus is with our own antibodies and those infected with the virus should receive immediate care to relieve the symptoms.

Myth: Pneumonia vaccines can protect you against the Coronavirus

Fact: Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the Coronavirus. The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine against COVID-19, and the WHO supports their efforts. Although these vaccines are not effective against COVID-19, vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect you and your little one’s health.

Myth: Hand dryers eliminate the Coronavirus

Fact: Hand dryers are completely ineffective at eliminating the Coronavirus. To protect yourself and your child against the Coronavirus, you should follow the advice from the WHO.

Myth: Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection lamps kill the Coronavirus

Fact: UV lamps should not be used to sterilise your child’s hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.

Myth: Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kills the Coronavirus

Fact: It is very dangerous to spray alcohol or chlorine all over your child’s body as it can be harmful to the skin. Also, it won’t kill the viruses that have already entered the body. Be aware that while alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, they need to be used appropriately.

Myth: Eating garlic can help prevent infection with the Coronavirus.

Fact: Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has ever protected people from the Coronavirus, adults and infants alike.

Stay informed and follow medical advice!

It’s very important for you to be aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the World Health Organisation (WHO) website and through the Commonwealth Department of Health. Please check them on a regular basis. Always seek advice from trustworthy, reliable sources for you and your baby.This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Contact a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns.