Indian health system has stood marvellously against the coronavirus so far. However due to misinformation there is a panic in the society. As the coronavirus has turned into a full fledged public health crisis, there are many theories about the origin of the virus, the availability of a vaccine, the various guaranteed therapies available, the use of a mask to prevent its spread and many more. The internet, messaging groups , the electronic media has done a yeomen service to sensitise people about the coved 19 viral infection , however there are as many myths as the number of facts about this virus infection.

Can home remedies cure or prevent this virus ?

Garlic, warm water gargling, Vitamin C , steroids are making rounds on the social media. These are important for certain diseases, by surely not for coronavirus. There are reports that people have started rubbing sesame oil on the body , using chlorine or alcohol as sprays on the body. These are not known to help. There are some chemical disinfectants , including bleach, 75% ethanol peracetic acid and chloroform that may kill the virus on surfaces. No chemical disinfectant should be ingested, it may be very dangerous.

Is there a cure for the novel coronavirus ?

 

1. At present there is no cure for covid 19 virus. Though research is underway, it could be more than 1 year that a vaccine would be available. The best way to protect yourself would be to stay away at least 1 metre from people who have symptoms of common cold and avoid handshakes. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze with your elbow or a tissue paper that you throw away immediately. Please disinfect the surfaces or objects that you touch. Anti retro viral drugs, olsetamavir , Hydroxychloroquin all in combination have been tried . There is no strong evidence and no scientific studies to substantiate this therapy at present.

Should everyone wear a mask ?

1. Those who are well need not wear a mask. Masks can increase the risk of infection if not worn properly. The N95 respirators should not be hoarded. They should remain available for those with greatest risk. Those people who already have the coronavirus infection, those who can potentially infect others and those caring for an infected patient in close settings and health care workers should wear the mask.

Can heat kill the virus ?

1. According to World Health Organisation hand dryers cannot kill the virus. Ultraviolet lamps are no good, in-fact they may irritate the skin. There is no way to confirm that the onset of summer or the rise in environmental temperature will kill the virus.

Children cannot get the coronavirus ?

1. This is a myth. Anyone of any age can get the coronavirus. Older people and those with pre existing medical conditions appear to be more vulnerable to serious infections. Those with severe uncontrolled diabetes, heart failure, severe asthma, COPD, those on long term steroids and those who have had an organ transplant are more susceptible.

Would people who get coronavirus infection will die ?

1. In fact most of them will survive. The initial symptoms will be that of common cold like fever, cough, running nose , sore throat body ache and headache.Most of the symptoms will go away on their own within a week. The disease can be fatal in those with a weakened immune system. The number of people surviving will be more than 97 %. Severe pneumonia and bronchitis heralds a poor outcome.

Has the coronavirus has been deliberately spread in the society ?

1. Many viruses change over a period of time. This is known as mutation. Occasionally a disease outbreak happens when a virus that is common in animals like a pig, bat or bird undergoes changes and passes to humans . This is probably how the covid 19 came in existence.

Can a face mask protect you ?

1. Certain masks of N95 types will protect you. All other masks, including covering your mouth or nose with a scarf or handkerchief will not prevent diseases. In fact adjusting the mask on your nose and mouth all the time increases the chances of spreading infection.

The pandemic will continue for a month ?

1. There is no way to confirm this. But as the virus is receding in China from where it originated, it appears that we may be requiring at least a month to get over this infection.

The disease has been contained as of today ?

1. The coronavirus continues to infect many people all over the globe. In comparison to the number of cases and our population size, the number of people infected so far in India is very minimal. The number may increase in the next few days . Later a plateau would be reached and the cases would become less.

Coronavirus has become a huge challenge to our society including our health care system. The unique aspect of the coronavirus is that spreads very fast , though the mortality is very less compared to other viral infections. General protective measures should be taken. Do not panic at all. The number of deaths in our country due to road accidents , tuberculosis or heart attacks is many many times more. Coronavirus management has taught our population to stay unified against any disruption in our daily lives. Coronavirus management is a template on which future epidemics would be fought successfully.