DEMYSTIFYING COVID-19
By Sejoro Tonuewa
That the world is currently battling a pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-II coronavirus is no more news. And while some people are extremely paranoid, a few are borderline paranoid while some others refuse to be bothered as “it’s only the rich returnees from foreign countries who are susceptible to the virus, for it is not a virus of the poor”. There are also people who believe that it is a farce, set up primarily for the embezzlement of funds. Whichever group you belong to, you better believe that the COVID-19 pandemic is real and except we take proper precautions, it may not go away anytime soon.
However, there’s no need for panic or fear as with simple precautions like washing or sanitizing our hands frequently and social distancing, we can keep ourselves and families safe.
As important as it is to keep ourselves updated and informed about the disease, it is also important to note that there are some myths and false information circulating the media: WhatsApp, Twitter as well as some news websites, most of which may be disadvantageous to conquering the pandemic. This article helps to clarify some of them.
MYTH 1: Hand sanitizers are antibacterial and so cannot kill the virus.
FACT: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 65% alcohol are in fact lethal to the virus as they destroy its the viral coat, thereby deactivating (killing) it.
MYTH 2: Drinking water at least every 15 minutes helps to push down the virus from the throat into the stomach where the stomach acid will destroy it.
FACT: Although it is advised we keep ourselves properly hydrated by drinking enough water especially at this time in order to generally keep the body healthy, there is no scientific justification to support the fact that water pushes down the virus into the stomach. In fact, the virus spreads when it comes in contact with the mucosal membranes of the mouth, nose or conjunctiva of the eyes. Therefore, avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose without first washing appropriately with soap and water or sanitizing your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
MYTH 3: Chloroquine can prevent the disease.
FACT: There is no scientific basis for the use of chloroquine in prevention of the disease although the drug has been shown to help in the treatment of the disease and is currently undergoing clinical trials to further ascertain the benefits of its use in treating the disease. Moreso, self-treatment using the drug has led to some deaths due to overdosing. Do not self-medicate. Consult your pharmacist or doctor.
MYTH 4: Once you get the virus you are as good as dead, as there is no cure.
FACT: Getting infected with COVID-19 is no death sentence. Some infected persons may be asymptomatic while others show mild to severe symptoms. The severity of the disease depends on immunity level, age as well as underlying disease conditions of the patient. Furthermore, although there is no particular cure for the disease, as most viral infections, the disease is self-limiting and would usually run its course, all other things being equal and the patient will get well. Deaths recorded are usually from otherwise old patients, patients with weak immunity or patients with underlying heart and lower respiratory tract infections particulary, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD). In the light of increase in number of confirmed cases, it is advised that people stay at home, as much as possible.
MYTH 5: The virus is airborne and can be contracted if inhaled.
FACT: The virus is not airborne (except in settings where aerosols are generated) and the primary way of contracting the disease is through direct or indirect contact of respiratory droplets from an infected person with the mucosa of the mouth, nose or conjunctiva of the eyes. This includes when droplets from coughs and sneezes directly touch these areas or when we indirectly touch these areas with unwashed/unsanitized hands that have come in contact with these droplets. Hence, preventative measures are important, to contain the virus. Social distancing, wearing of gloves and facemasks especially among probably infected persons, as well as intermittent washing of hands or sanitizing with hand sanitizers containing at least 65% alcohol are recommended. Also, good cough/sneeze practices like coughing into a tissue or flexed elbows are important.
We are in a critical season. The number of confirmed cases and deaths continue to increase daily, as compared to the recovery rate. A preventative approach is therefore paramount. Stay at home. Maintain proper hygiene. Sanitize your hands. Feed well. Stay productive at home. Stay safe. And listen to credible sources for information regarding COVID-19: World Health Organisation (WHO), and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Do not spread misinformation. Stay safe. Don’t panic. With the dissemination of correct information and adherence to safety guidelines, we can beat COVID-19!
