Just the Facts: Mythbusting Covid-19

We know there is a lot of information floating around right now about Covid-19 treatment and symptoms. Here are the facts to dispel some common myths, with information verified from the World Health Organization:

Exposing yourself to the sun or high temperatures DOES NOT prevent Covid-19. You can catch COVID-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. Countries with hot weather have reported cases of COVID-19. To protect yourself, make sure you clean your hands frequently and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose. 

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Covid-19 CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites. To date there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that COVID-19 could be transmitted by mosquitoes. COVID-19 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. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Also, avoid close contact with anyone who is coughing and sneezing.

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You can recover from Covid-19. Catching the COVID-19 DOES NOT mean you have it for life. Most of the people who catch COVID-19 can recover and eliminate the virus from their bodies. If you catch the disease, make sure you treat your symptoms. If you have cough, fever, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early – but call your health facility by telephone first. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care.

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UV lamps should NOT be used to disinfect your skin. UV radiation can cause skin irritation and damage your eyes. Cleaning your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or washing your hands with soap and water are the most effective ways to remove the virus.

Antibiotics are NOT effective in treating Covid-19. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. COVID-19 (2019-nCoV) is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment. However, if you are hospitalized for COVID-19, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.

Emily Browning