Covid-19: The Facts And Myths From A Head Matron

Let's start with a fact or two:

Healthier people who contract COVID-19 will benefit the population at large as this will allow the body to build natural antibodies against the virus therefore providing ‘herd immunity’ for the population, which in turn will help to protect the more vulnerable.
This pandemic will place immeasurable strain on our health system therefore people need to ensure a common-sense approach and follow PHE guidelines of good hygiene, appropriately managing respiratory symptoms and self-isolating when required.
The term “pandemic” does not have a strict technical definition, but basically it means there is sustained person-to-person spread in multiple countries. It does NOT imply the severity of the disease/virus.

And now the myths, of which there are many:

Myth - Coronavirus only affects older people

Fact – A person of any age can be affected by the new Coronavirus. Older people, those with an impaired immune system or people with some medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart diseases, etc appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with COVID-19.

Myth - All hand sanitisers can protect you from infection

Fact - In the case of hand sanitisers, not all are created equal. They are extremely useful when travelling or commuting, but if your hand sanitiser contains less than 60 per cent alcohol – or, worse, none – it won't offer much protection from Coronavirus. Expert advice at Public Health England (PHE) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) states that hand sanitisers must contain at least 60 per cent alcohol to be truly effective. Soap and water remain the most effective method of removing bacteria and viruses.

Myth - Alcohol can kill the coronavirus

Fact - Booze will not prevent you catching the virus! Whether it's vodka or the finest Merlot, your tipple of choice will not cure Coronavirus. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will also not help. Alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations.

Myth - It is unsafe to receive any package from infected countries

Fact – No, it is not unsafe to receive any package from infected areas. The fact is that Coronavirus do not survive long on objects like packages, and it is safe to receive mail from infected countries. Most viruses live on hard surfaces for approximately 48 hours, but this is dependant upon heat, sunlight and the virus. Transference is made through touching a live contaminated surface and then touching your face, eyes or mouth.

Myth - Vaccines against pneumonia protects against coronavirus

Fact - The truth is that no vaccines against pneumonia protects against COVID-19, this is a different virus and it needs its own vaccine. Scientists are currently conducting trials and studies to develop a vaccine. However, it's a lengthy process to produce, test and launch a vaccine for the masses, so experts are predicting it will take 18-24 months, and this is using an accelerated timetable. So, a vaccine is not going to stop the current outbreak. The race to develop a vaccine is therefore about stopping the future spread of infection.

Myth - Some antibiotics and some medications can prevent and treat Coronavirus

Fact – COVID-19 is a virus; antibiotics are not effective against viruses. There is no proof or evidence that specific medicines can fully prevent or fully treat Coronavirus. If a person is severely unwell any medication will be to manage the symptoms not the virus.

Myth - Gargling, using mouthwash and keeping your nose clean protects against Coronavirus

Fact - There is no proof or evidence that gargling, using a mouthwash and keeping your nose clean protects against Coronavirus. Unfortunately, there is no evidence to suggest that regularly rinsing the nose with saline or gargling mouthwash will ward off COVID-19. Increasing hand hygiene and not touching the face will help to protect viral spread.

Myth - Hand dryers kill the Coronavirus

Fact - No, not even those made by James Dyson! Hand dryers are not effective in killing Coronavirus or any other known virus. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently with soap and water. Once your hands are cleaned, you should dry them thoroughly by using paper towels or a warm air dryer.

Myth - Covering up with DIY masks and gloves is a good idea

Fact - Social media and the news is awash with images of people wearing everything from face masks to full-face helmets forged from recycled water bottles with surgical/cotton gloves. Sales of paper masks and gloves have dramatically increased.

Do any of these preventive methods work? No.

Water bottles and plastic bags worn over the head pose a potential suffocation risk. Even surgical masks are unlikely to help as these are designed to keep droplets in, not out, and must be changed frequently. The wearing of gloves can lead to false confidence and decrease good hand hygiene. We need to ensure we regularly wash hands, not touch our face and keep surfaces clean.

Myth - Coronavirus was/is spread by animals to humans

Fact - For now, there is no proof that proves that animals or pets, such as dogs or cats can be infected with COVID-19, or it can spread between animals and humans. You should always wash your hands and face with soap and water after handling pets or animals.

This article was written by Cheryl Lythgoe. Cheryl is Head Matron for Benenden Health, the not-for-profit organisation founded in 1905 and based in York since 1990.