Facts vs Fiction: The Coronavirus Myths Dissected

The coronavirus also referred to as COVID-19, has injected a state of fear into the global population. As we write this article, there have been more than 200,000 cases and 8,000 deaths across the world. In less than three months, the disease spread from Wuhan, China to every continent on earth except Antarctica. The world news headlines continue to scaremonger civilians with twisted versions of the truth, rumours have begun flooding through communities, spreading misinformation on how to prevent contracting the disease.

In this week’s blog we will dissect some of the most common myths that are currently circulating the internet, using official government information to help you understand how best to stay safe.  

 1. Can cold weather kill the coronavirus?

External temperatures will not affect the spread of the coronavirus, the human body temperature will remain at an average of 37°C, regardless of the external weather.

To protect yourself and the people around you it’s imperative to frequently clean your hands using alcohol-based hand sanitisers or washing them with soap and water for 20 – 30 seconds.

2.Will face masks protect you against coronavirus?

Healthcare professionals wear tight-fitted fast masks around the face to protect them against infection. Research suggests disposable face masks are unlikely to provide the same protection.

As these masks do not fit neatly against the face, droplets can still enter the mouth and nose. Also, tiny viral particles can penetrate directly through the material.

“There is very little evidence that wearing such masks protects the wearer from infection,” Dr. Ben Killingley, Consultant in Acute Medicine and Infectious Diseases at University College London Hospital in the U.K.

3. How effective are thermal scanners in detecting people infected with the new coronavirus?

Thermal scanners are able to detect people who have developed a fever, which may be caused by the coronavirus or a milder disease.

Although, people who contract the coronavirus may not develop a fever until 2 - 10 days after being contaminated with the disease.

“Thermal scanning at airports detects less than 1 in 5 passengers arriving from a 12-hour flight who are infected with the new coronavirus,” London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).

4. Are there any specific medicines to prevent or treat the new coronavirus?

There is currently no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the coronavirus.

Those infected should take appropriate measures to relieve and treat systems, however those with severe illness should reach out to medical professionals to obtain optimised supportive care.

Clinical trials are currently underway to develop specific treatments for the disease.

5. Has 5G has caused the coronavirus?

A Facebook post has made claims that 5G is the cause of the coronavirus, this is incorrect.

There is no evidence that 5G is harmful to humans. 5G is the next generation of wireless network technology which is transmitted over radio waves.

The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation guidelines suggest, “Radiation up to 300GHz can cause adverse health effects, whereas the maximum for 5G will probably only be in the tens of GHz."

Here at TyTek Medical we provide pre-hospital emergency equipment for medically trained first responders and civilians. Ryan Burke, the Director of Emergency Preparedness at TyTek Medical, volunteered at the Butler County Emergency Operations Center, helping prepare hospitals and public health officials for a rise in critically ill patients. His time was spent coordinating the allocation of PPE Resources, planning/briefing calls with State EMA, Public Health and Community Partners and developing the Situation Report which provides status updates/situational awareness.

To find out more about the time-critical emergency supplies we offer visit the TyTek Medical website today. Remember, be safe, be vigilant, be prepared.