What if I just run my hands under an air dryer? Won’t the heat kill the virus?
No. You still need to wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub. Once your hands are clean, you should dry them thoroughly by using paper towels or a warm air dryer.
Does drinking alcohol protect you against COVID-19?
No, while regular heavy drinking is clearly the worst for your immune system, binge drinking can also temporarily knock out your immune system temporarily. These days, you want your immune system firing on all cylinders! With everyone home at the same time, you may WANT to drink, but remember — everything in moderation.
I’ve heard that being able to hold your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing or feeling discomfort means you don’t have COVID-19.
This is not true. The best way to confirm if you have the virus is with a laboratory test. You cannot confirm it with this breathing exercise, which may, for some people, even be dangerous.
Does taking a hot bath prevent me from getting COVID-19?
No. Taking a hot bath will not prevent you from catching COVID-19. Your normal body temperature remains around 97.5°F to 98.6°F, regardless of hot your bath or shower. We’ll say it again, the best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently washing your hands.
Can the coronavirus be transmitted through mosquito bites?
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that, to date, there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes. It is a respiratory virus spreading primarily through droplets of saliva, nasal discharge or when someone coughs, sneezes or sprays when they speak. So make sure you’re 6 feet away!
Do vaccines against pneumonia protect you against the coronavirus?
No. Vaccines against pneumonia and the flu do not provide protection against this new virus. The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Researchers are working very hard to develop a vaccine against COVID-19, but it is unlikely one will be available this year.
Can regularly rinsing your nose with saline help prevent the coronavirus?
No. There is no evidence that this is true. According to the World Health Organization, there is some limited evidence that regularly rinsing your nose with saline can help people recover more quickly from the common cold. However, regularly rinsing the nose has not been shown to prevent respiratory infections.
What about eating garlic? Will that prevent me from getting COVID-19?
Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence from this outbreak that eating garlic has protected anyone from getting the virus.
Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the coronavirus?
No, antibiotics do not work against viruses and since COVID-19 IS a virus, antibiotics should not be used as a method of prevention or treatment. However, if you are hospitalized for COVID-19, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.
With thanks to the World Health Organization