(Disclaimer: Corona ® the beer is in NO WAY connected to the Coronavirus and limes do NOT give you LYME disease.)
Hello Posse!
I thought this would be a timely topic for a Whatever Wednesday. There have been a lot of rumors going around about the Coronavirus known as Covid-19. People have been panicing and sharing a lot of misinformation.
Seeing as how I am not a medical professional, I sought out information from people who are for information on this pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Top 5 Myths that are floating around the internet:
1. Are hand dryers effective in killing the new coronavirus?
No. Hand dryers are not effective in killing the 2019-nCoV. To protect yourself against the new coronavirus, you should frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Once your hands are cleaned, you should dry them thoroughly by using paper towels or a warm air dryer.
2. Can an ultraviolet disinfection lamp kill the new coronavirus?
UV lamps should not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.
3. How effective are thermal scanners in detecting people infected with the new coronavirus?
Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have developed a fever (i.e. have a higher than normal body temperature) because of infection with the new coronavirus.
However, they cannot detect people who are infected but are not yet sick with fever. This is because it takes between 2 and 10 days before people who are infected become sick and develop a fever.
4. Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the new coronavirus?
No. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth). Be aware that both alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations.
5. Is it safe to receive a letter or a package from China?
Yes, it is safe. People receiving packages from China are not at risk of contracting the new coronavirus. From previous analysis, we know coronaviruses do not survive long on objects, such as letters or packages.
Go to WHO Myth Busters for more myth busting information on the Covid-19 virus and prevention information.
For more informed prevention tips, I turned to the CDC.
The CDC suggests the following preventative measures:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask:
It's not recommend for people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
For more information and special tips for travelers, go to the CDC Website.
I hope everyone stays safe and healthy during this difficult time. We are praying for all those who are affected.
Prayers,
Hozzászólások