Note: The views and opinions expressed in blog/editorial posts are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the views or opinions of Misbar.
Borell referred to misinformation about the coronavirus. He spoke about the East StratCom Task Force detecting 100 cases of misinformation. The Task Force was established in 2015 by a decision of the European Council to address Kremlin-generated misinformation.
(Source: EU vs DISINFORMATION)
However, dangerous misinformation that is also booming in the Middle East and North Africa also includes conspiracy theories, false or partially false medical information, and alleged methods of prevention and treatment for COVID-19.
Some of the widespread theories amongst people are:
How effective are temperature sensors to detect people infected with the new coronavirus?
Temperature sensors are effective in detecting people who have developed fever (i.e. have higher than normal body temperature) due to infection with the new coronavirus. However, they cannot detect people who are infected but have not yet developed a fever. This is because the time that elapses before people who are infected get sick and develop fever is 2 to 10 days.
Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the new coronavirus?
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 may be useful for disinfecting surfaces, but should be used in accordance with appropriate recommendations.
Can eating garlic protect from coronavirus?
Garlic is a healthy food that can have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence that eating garlic has protected people from the new coronavirus.
Does the coronavirus only affect the elderly or are young people also vulnerable?
People of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus. However, elderly people and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable as they can become more seriously ill. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises people of all ages to take protective measures from the virus.
Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the coronavirus?
No, antibiotics don't work against viruses. They only work against bacteria. Antibiotics should not be used as a way of prevention or treatment for viruses. However, if you are hospitalized for Coronavirus, you may be given antibiotics because bacterial infection is possible.
The coronavirus is just like the flu!
SARS-CoV-2 causes coronavirus (COVID-19) which actually has flu-like symptoms such as fever and cough. Similarly, both COVID-19 and influenza can be mild, severe, or in rare cases, fatal. Both can lead to pneumonia. However, the overall profile of COVID-19 is more serious. Estimates vary, but its mortality rate seems to be between 1% and 3%. Although scientists are processing the exact mortality rate, it is likely to be many times higher than those of seasonal flu.
Misbar urges the public to take their medical information regarding the coronavirus from reliable sources only, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), as well as health professionals.
