Virgilio Arcuri
There are many myths about the coronavirus that spread unnecessary fear. We clarify which myths are simply wrong.
The coronavirus is new to all of us. It is, therefore, all the more important to find out about the virus and how to use it correctly from reliable sources. Reliable sources are e.g. the Federal Center for Health Education and the Robert Koch Institute.
But unfortunately, there are many half-truths and fake news that only unnecessarily unsettle people. That is why we are showing 5 Corona myths that are persistent but are simply wrong according to the current state of the science.
Myth 1: Pets are contagious
In China, this myth even caused pets to be put to sleep. However, there is currently no evidence that pets transmit coronavirus to humans. Healthy people do not have to limit contact with animals. The general hygiene rules should still be observed.
Myth 2: Ibuprofen can make the course of the coronavirus worse
A few weeks ago there was a hoax, according to which the University Hospital Vienna had allegedly warned of ibuprofen. Although the university clinic quickly distanced from the claim shortly afterward, the World Health Organization (WHO) also recommended that ibuprofen be avoided and that other pain relievers such as paracetamol be used instead.
In the meantime, however, this warning has been withdrawn because there is no scientific evidence for a connection between ibuprofen and the course of coronavirus infection.
Myth 3: Bleaches kill the virus in the body
US President Donald Trump publicly speculated whether injecting bleaches as chlorine dioxide could help against the virus. Fortunately, this “tip” was quickly warned on all channels. Injection of bleach is life-threatening and should never be used to combat corona.
Myth 4: Corona infected people do not have a cold
Although fever and dry cough are the most common symptoms of coronavirus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) around a quarter of those affected also runny nose. There can, therefore, be no question of an exclusion criterion.
Myth 5: There is a world conspiracy behind the Corona measures
According to some conspiracy theorists, the pandemic was only invented to stir up uncertainty and restrict personal freedoms. However, there is no scientific evidence for this, but even more so for the coronavirus.
Our advice: Check which facts are really scientifically validated before you believe and spread the news.
