Millions have already been infected. Many remain undiagnosed. The death toll reached thousands and counting. Worst yet, more and more people become infected without them knowing.

The recent outbreak “2019 novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) or the new Coronavirus 2019-nCoV,” has raised many questions and sparked rumors from the general public.

Fake news about the deadly virus have spread like wildfire as how it gone viral from its epicenter Wuhan to continent by continent. And now, even Qatar is no exception.

What’s the truth and what’s not? World Health Organization (WHO) shared some fast facts to keep us informed on nothing but the truth about Coronavirus.

Find out these hearsays circulating in Qatar about Coronavirus you need not to worry about – because they are mere outright hoaxes:

Q. Coronavirus case now in Qatar is much worse than the government is informing the residents

A. No. As earlier reported in qatarday.com, Qatar has recorded its first and only confirmed Coronavirus case to date. A 36-year old Qatari citizen who returned recently from Iran tested positive for the virus, the Ministry announced yesterday. He was evacuated out of Iran on a government-chartered plane and along with all other passengers has been under full quarantine, admitted to Communicable Disease Center, and isolated under strict infection control measures. Today, he is in a stable condition.

Q. Antibiotics are effective in treating Coronavirus

A. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria.

The new Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment. There is no specific treatment for Coronavirus at the moment. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses. Most of the symptoms can be treated with supportive medical care.

Q. It is not safe to receive a letter or a package from China

A, No. It is, in fact, safe. People receiving packages from China are not at risk of contracting the new Coronavirus. From previous analysis, we know Coronaviruses do not survive long on objects, such as letters or packages.

Q. Thermal scanners are 100% effective in detecting people infected with the new Coronavirus

A. No. Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have developed a fever (i.e. have a higher than normal body temperature) because of infection with the new Coronavirus.

However, they cannot detect people who are infected but are not yet sick with fever. This is because it takes between 2 and 10 days before people who are infected become sick and develop a fever.

Q. Coronavirus only affect older people. Younger ones are not susceptible.

A. No. People of all ages can be infected by the new Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.

WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.

Q. Pets at home can spread the new Coronavirus

A. No. At present, there is no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new Coronavirus. However, it is always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets. This protects you against various common bacteria such as E.coli and Salmonella that can pass between pets and humans.

Q. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the new Coronavirus

A. No. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth). Be aware that both alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations.

Caution:

Many people would talk about things they don’t know nothing about. It’s human nature. And when it comes to Corona virus, there are plenty of self-taught “experts” who are spreading myths masked as truths.

Lack of understanding and knowledge on the epidemic elicited careless people spreading myths and fake news. Don’t be one of them. Be vigilant and be informed responsibly. Follow qatarday.com for more updates on Coronavirus.