Myths

Facts

Use vaccines against pneumonia protect you against the new coronavirus

No. Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type В (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus. This new kind of virus need its own vaccine

It is not safe to receive a letter or a package from China

No, it is safe. People receiving packages from China are not at risk of contracting the new coronavirus. As we know coronaviruses do not survive long on objects, such as letters or packages

Eating garlic help prevent infection with the new coronavirus

Although garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from the new coronavirus

Myths

Facts

Putting on sesame oil help block the new coronavirus from entering the body

No. Sesame oil cannot kill the new coronavirus

Pets at home can spread the new coronavirus

At present there is no evidence that companion animals or pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus. However, it is always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets

There are some specific medicines to prevent or treat the new coronavirus

Up to now, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

Rinse your nose often with saline can help avoid infection with the virus

No. There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with the new coronavirus

Antibiotics are effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus

No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. The new coronavirus (2019-nCov) is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment

The virus can't survive in hot temperatures

No. It is absolutely a misunderstanding of the studies about previous SARS temperature. It is true that at warmer temperature, SARS virus cannot last as long as in the host. Yet, it still can be overcome and passed on

The new coronavirus affect only older people and younger people are not susceptible

No. People of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becomi