CORONAVIRUS: FACT OR FALSE?

With the coronavirus pandemic headlining all over the world, fear and anxiety are prevalent. Many people are taking to social media to seek advice and also air advice given by others. However, it is important to note that not all advice on social media is statistically or scientifically correct. Have a look below as we distinguish what is fact and what is false- and remember, we are a company who specialise in insurance services, not medicine or virus control!

1) You can test for the virus by holding your breath –FALSE

It has been advertised that holding your breath successfully for over 10 seconds without feeling any pain, discomfort, coughing or breathing difficulty indicates you do not have the virus. There is no scientific evidence that this test can show if you have the new coronavirus or not. If you do suffer from asthma or breathing difficulties you should be taking medical advice from your doctor.

2) Drinking water every 15 minutes washes the virus into your stomach- FALSE

Some social media posts have claimed that drinking water every 15 minutes washes the virus into your stomach where the acid will destroy the virus. There is no evidence to suggest this is true. However, it is important to drink plenty of water to ensure you stay hydrated as with any flu or virus.

3) The heat in the summer will kill the virus – FALSE

Yes, you guessed it- false information again! It has been suggested that temperatures above 25 degrees can destroy the virus and so once the warmer summer weather begins to roll in the virus will soon dwindle. There is evidence that similar viruses spread less in the heat. However, there is no evidence to support this with the Coronavirus. In fact, countries with temperatures higher than 25 degrees do have reported cases of the Coronavirus showing that although there is a possibility that spreading of the virus can be reduced in the heat, the virus is not altogether heat-resistant or prevented by warm temperatures.

4) More people have died from other medical conditions than the Coronavirus – FACT

Yes, it has been recorded that the number of deaths from other illnesses, suicide or the common flu have been higher than those recorded from the coronavirus. However, it is important to highlight that it is the rapid increase in deaths and the potential detrimental effect that the uncontrolled spreading of the virus could have that is cause for concern. It has been advised that numbers of recorded deaths have been inflated and exaggerated in comparison to the deaths associated with Coronavirus. Many of those who have died from the Coronavirus have also had underlying medical issues making them more vulnerable. For accurate death figures you should refer to the World Health Organisation.

SOME GENERAL ADVICE:

If you are showing any symptoms please follow self-isolation instructions advised by local authorities. Be mindful of those who you may be in contact with that may be vulnerable or at high risk of contracting the virus. These include people who are 70 or above, pregnant, who suffer from a long term condition or who have a weakened immune system.

Stay at home if you have either:

• a high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
• a new, continuous cough – this means you’ve started coughing repeatedly

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.

DO:

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• always wash your hands when you get home or into work
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
• avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of coronavirus
• only travel on public transport if you need to
• work from home, if you can
• avoid social activities, such as going to pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas
• avoid events with large groups of people

DON’T:

• touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
• have visitors to your home, including friends and family

Please note that any medical queries should be directed to the relevant authorities. Information provided above supported and provided by Fact Check and NHS.