More Menacing Than Coronavirus

 

Nowadays there is a more deadly disease than Covid-19, which is spreading like a wildfire. It does not get transmitted via touching, through water, or even through sneezing and coughing. And yet the pathogen of this disease is in every hand.

And maybe you are affected too!!!

 

And this disease is called forwarded and received. In simple words, the disease of spreading rumours. Since the outbreak of Coronavirus, the people are discussing this topic so much that everyone thinks that they're doctors themselves. Everyone has their own remedy and they can't resist themselves from spreading this knowledge. This results in a flood of messages on social media.

The overflow of information has raised a big question as to what is wrong? and what is right?

So, let’s burst a few of the myths you might have come across through the graduates of WhatsApp university and base our knowledge on the data given by authentic sources such as WHO and CDC.

 

Myth 1. By using a mask, you will be protected from Coronavirus.

Truth: Mask is for the pollution or it is mainly worn by those who already have some symptoms of flu or Covid-19. If you take a hypothetical situation where you are wearing mask but comes in contact of an infected person and that person sneezes near you, then the droplets will get settled on your mask and when you will take it off, you'll end up touching your face and ultimately getting the virus.

Also, today you see a dozen variety of masks in the market. Are all of them effective? and do everyone has knowledge of how to clean them properly? Or how to dispose of them safely?

I guess No! for a maximum of us. This can further increase the risk.

Suggestion: Use a cloth instead of a high-priced mask and then clean it separately from other clothes for repetitive usage.

 

Myth 2: Coronavirus spreads by eating Non-veg food.

Truth: It has been proved by doctors worldwide and there are articles to prove that its a myth. AIIMS director, Mr. Randeep Guleria has specified in his article that there is no connection between Corona spread and Non-veg food. Eating chicken and egg is actually healthy and totally safe.

 

Myth 3. One can catch Coronavirus through pets.

Truth: As of today, only one dog has been diagnosed with Covid-19 in Hongkong and there too the reason was transferring the virus from its owner. As humans, we go outside and meet people and in turn get infected. Our pets are in danger because of us, not the other way round.

 

Myth 4: Hand sanitizers are better than washing hands.

Truth: Due to this myth there is a whole new black market for sanitizers now. Disease control expert Mr. Bharat Pankhania says that washing hands with warm water and soap is the best solution we have right now. I am not denying the fact that sanitizers are providing protection against Covid-19 but it is not better or worse than washing your hands with soap.

 

Due to myths like these people are still hoarding essential items, thinking there will be end of the world tomorrow. This leads to false scarcity i.e. If the people who don't need these things will start hoarding them, then people who are actually in need will not get them. So think before you believe the expert advice. Ask yourself about the credibility of the source and then decide.

 

Remember if people like Tom Hanks and Sophie Trudeau, who have never seen public transport and only travel with first-class tickets, can get infected, then anybody can get infected. 

 

The only good side of Coronavirus is that now everyone feels a bit awkward while sneezing and coughing in public. This virus has made us a bit cautious in our careless lifestyles.

Let's leave the medicine discussion on experts and time being let's just treat these diseases: 

Rumours

Fake doctors

Dishonesty

Over smartness

Carelessness

 

Because a single person's efforts might not be visible, but together we can make a difference. Stay home, stay safe.