Myths around the risks of coronavirus have been doing the rounds on social media. This is what you need to know about the virus.
These are some of the myths
- The virus is very fragile outside the human body, which means you can’t get it from a package or an envelope.
- Drinking miracle miracle solution will protect you from the coronavirus.
- Pets can catch and spread the coronavirus.
- Antibiotics can prevent or treat the new coronavirus.
- Eating garlic or rinsing your nose with saline will reduce your chances of contracting the virus.
Below are things you need to know about Coronavirus:
As scientists continue to come up with a vaccine for the coronavirus, the virus has claimed over 500 lives in China.
*Older people and those with other health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, cancer and diabetes, are most vulnerable to the new virus.
*Face masks aren’t that useful even though you might see people wearing them in China.
*There is limited evidence that face masks work.
*For you to get the virus, you have to be in close contact with an infected person.
*Also, it’s important to cover your mouth and nose while sneezing, with a tissue or your elbow.
*Wash your hands frequently before eating with soap or sanitiser and always keep your distance from people who are coughing and sneezing.
*The new coronavirus is thought to have originated in a live animal market in Wuhan, China.
*Scientists are working hard to develop a vaccine for the new virus.
Last week Friday, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize told reporters that South Africa was on high alert.
Currently, there aren’t any cases of the virus that have been reported in the country.
The virus has claimed over 500 lives in China.
