MYTHS & FACTS ON COVID-19
Can pets at home spread the COVID-19?
At present, there is no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the COVID-19. 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.
Does the COVID-19 affect older people, or are younger people also susceptible?
People of all ages can be infected by the COVID-19. 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.
The Ministry of Health 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.
Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the COVID-19?
No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. The COVID-19 is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment. However, if you are hospitalized for the COVID-19, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.
Are there any specific medicines to prevent or treat the COVID-19?
To date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the COVID-19.
However, those infected with the virus should receive appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms, and those with severe illness should receive optimized supportive care. Some specific treatments are under investigation, and will be tested through clinical trials. WHO is helping to accelerate research and development efforts with a range or partners.
Are hand dryers effective in killing the covid-19?
No. Hand dryers are not effective in killing the COVID-19. To protect yourself against the COVID-19, you should frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Once your hands are cleaned, you should dry them thoroughly by using paper towels or a warm air dryer.
Can an ultraviolet disinfection lamp kill the COVID-19?
UV lamps should not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.
How effective are thermal scanners in detecting people infected with the COVID-19?
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 COVID-19.
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.
Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the COVID-19?
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.
Is it safe to receive a letter or a package from China?
Yes, it is safe. People receiving packages from China are not at risk of contracting the COVID-19. From previous analysis, we know coronaviruses do not survive long on objects, such as letters or packages.
Can regularly rinsing your nose with saline help prevent infection with the COVID-19?
No. There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with the COVID-19.
There is some limited evidence that regularly rinsing nose with saline can help people recover more quickly from the common cold. However, regularly rinsing the nose has not been shown to prevent respiratory infections.
Can gargling mouthwash protect you from infection with the COVID-19?
No. There is no evidence that using mouthwash will protect you from infection with the COVID-19.
Some brands or mouthwash can eliminate certain microbes for a few minutes in the saliva in your mouth. However, this does not mean they protect you from COVID-19 infection.
Does the COVID-19 affect older people, or are younger people also susceptible?
People of all ages can be infected by the COVID-19. 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.
MOH 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.
