The amount and type of Mythbusters on the World Health Organisation’s website would be hysterical if the situation weren’t so deadly serious.
Everything from 5G to houseflies has been blamed for the pandemic, and everything from alcohol to snow and shoes, as well as pepper, bleach, hand dryers and hot baths, have been claimed to be a cure.
There are really scary warnings on the site that make you wonder where people get their information:
FACT: Adding pepper to your soup or other meals DOES NOT prevent or cure COVID-19
FACT: COVID-19 is NOT transmitted through houseflies
FACT: Drinking alcohol does not protect you against COVID-19 and can be dangerous
FACT: Spraying and introducing bleach or another disinfectant into your body WILL NOT protect you against COVID-19 and can be dangerous
FACT: Being able to hold your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing or feeling discomfort DOES NOT mean you are free from COVID-19
FACT: Taking a hot bath does not prevent COVID-19
FACT: Hand dryers are NOT effective in killing the COVID-19 virus
FACT: Eating garlic does NOT prevent COVID-19
The WHO mythbusters page also has information like:
FACT: Studies show hydroxychloroquine does not have clinical benefits in treating COVID-19
FACT: People should NOT wear masks while exercising
FACT: The likelihood of shoes spreading COVID-19 is very low
FACT: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a virus, NOT by bacteria
FACT: The prolonged use of medical masks* when properly worn, DOES NOT cause CO2 intoxication nor oxygen deficiency.
The best advice is to listen to the science – if you heard it at your candle-making class or over the back fence while you were eavesdropping on your neighbours gossiping, the chances are it’s just not true.
For information on health visit your doctor or an accredited website.
For a laugh, or a fright, visit the World Health Organisation’s Mythbusters page.
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