Darrick Robles MYTH: Antibiotics help against the coronavirus. FACT: Antibiotics generally have no effect on viruses and can only be used to treat bacterial diseases. COVID-19 is caused by a virus (SARS-CoV-2) , so antibiotics cannot be used to prevent or treat the infection. Nonetheless, patients hospitalized with COVID-19 may be given antibiotics as it is quite possible that they also have a bacterial infection.
MYTH: Pets can transmit COVID-19. FACT: Although there has been one reported case of a dog infected with the coronavirus in Hong Kong, there is still no evidence that pets can transmit COVID-19.
MYTH: The coronavirus can survive on surfaces and objects for up to 10 days. FACT: So far it has not been clarified how long SARS-CoV-2 can survive on surfaces. It is believed to behave like other coronaviruses and can survive on surfaces for anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the substrate. Objects and surfaces that you think might be infected can be cleaned with common disinfectant, protecting yourself and others.
MYTH: Vaccination against pneumonia protects against infection with the coronavirus. FACT: The vaccine that protects you from pneumococcal pneumonia does not protect against the virus that causes COVID-19. However, pneumococcal vaccination reduces the risk that a respiratory infection like COVID-19 will develop into pneumonia caused by these bacteria.
MYTH: Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will kill the coronavirus. FACT: Neither alcohol nor chlorine can kill a virus that has already entered your body. In addition, spraying such substances can be harmful to the mucous membranes of your eyes, mouth, respiratory tract, etc. Nonetheless, alcohol and chlorine are useful surface disinfectants. Note, however, that such strong chemicals must always be handled with extreme care.
MYTH: Increased garlic intake prevents infection with the coronavirus. FACT: There is no evidence that increasing garlic consumption or changing your diet can protect you against SARS-CoV-2. However, garlic is a healthy food that has antimicrobial properties. If you generally lead a healthy lifestyle and eat a balanced diet, this can generally lead to a stronger immune system. In this way you create the ideal conditions for your body to be able to fight off viruses and bacteria better. Find out more about how you can strengthen your immune system in our article Immune with a system – mobilize your immune system.
MYTH: The coronavirus cannot spread in warm and humid climates. FACT: According to what is known so far, transmission of the new virus can occur anywhere, including in areas with a warm climate and higher humidity. So you should always take protective measures, regardless of where you are and what the temperatures are.
MYTH: A hot bath can kill the coronavirus. FACT: A hot bath cannot protect you from contracting the coronavirus. Because even when bathing, your body temperature (if you are healthy) is between 36.5 and 37.0 °C – regardless of the temperature of the water. A bath that is too hot can even be harmful to your body as you run the risk of burning yourself.
MYTH: Regular nasal rinsing with a saline solution prevents contracting the coronavirus. FACT: No, there is no evidence that regular nasal irrigation protects you from infection. However, there is evidence that rinsing your nose with a saline solution can shorten the duration of a cold. However, it has not been proven whether this also prevents respiratory infections.
You can also find more reliable information and answers to frequently asked questions on the WHO website . You can find information about the virus in German on the website of the Robert Koch Institute .
