KATHMANDU: The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally has surpassed 100,000 as of today.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reminds people that the spread of this virus can be slowed through the implementation of robust containment and control activities.
Snow or cold weather cannot kill the new coronavirus.
Cold weather cannot kill the new coronavirus. Regardless of the external temperature or weather, the normal human body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C.
An effective way to protect yourself against coronavirus is to frequently wash your hands with soap and water or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub.
Taking a hot bath will not prevent coronavirus disease
Taking a hot bath will not help you from catching COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself against coronavirus is by frequently cleaning or washing your hands, which will eliminate viruses that may be on your hands. This will avoid infection that could occur by then touching your mouth, eyes, and nose.
Coronavirus cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites
There has been no evidence to suggest that coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquito bites. Coronavirus is a respiratory virus that spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person sneezes, coughs or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose.
Avoid close contact with a person who is sneezing and coughing.
Hand dryers will kill the new coronavirus
Hand dryers will not kill the COVID-19. The best way is to frequently clean your hands. After cleaning your hands, you should dry them thoroughly.
Spraying alcohol, chlorine over your body will kill coronavirus
Spraying chlorine or alcohol all over your body will not kill viruses if they have entered your body.
Spraying them can be harmful to mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth) and your clothes.
Pets spread the new coronavirus
There has been no evidence that animals/pets such as cats or dogs can be infected with the new coronavirus.
Vaccines against pneumonia protect against coronavirus
Vaccines against pneumonia do not provide protection against coronavirus.
The virus needs its own vaccine. Researchers are trying to develop vaccines against it, and WHO is supporting their efforts.
Regularly rinsing your nose with saline help prevent infection with coronavirus
There has been no evidence that rinsing the nose with saline has protected anyone from infection with coronavirus.
Eating garlic helps prevent infection with coronavirus
Though garlic is a healthy food having some antimicrobial properties, there is no evidence that eating garlic has protected people from coronavirus.
New coronavirus affects older people
Coronavirus can affect people of all ages. Elderly people and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as diabetes, asthma, and heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to the virus.
The WHO suggests people take steps to protect themselves from the virus by following good hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene.
Antibiotics effective in preventing or treating coronavirus
Antibiotics do not work against viruses. They work only against bacteria. Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus and, hence, antibiotics should not be used as a means of treatment or prevention.
Any specific medicines to treat or prevent the new coronavirus?
There is no specific medicine to date recommended to prevent or treat the new coronavirus.
(With inputs from the World Health Organization)
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