Covid-19 myth vs facts: Will summer curb coronavirus in UAE?

Will the new respiratory disease Covid-19 virus infections subside with the onset of summer in the UAE? Myths that have been doing rounds include extreme heat or cold may hinder the existence of the virus, raising hope of many optimists.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has busted beliefs such as taking a hot bath to prevent catching the new coronavirus that have killed thousands around the world.
"Your normal body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower. Taking a hot bath with extremely hot water can be harmful, as it can burn you. The best way to protect yourself against Covid-19 is by frequently cleaning your hands. By doing this, you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
"There is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill new coronavirus or other diseases. The most effective way to protect yourself is by frequently cleaning your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or washing them with soap and water," it added.
Another most popular misconception is keeping Chinese products at bay to curb the coronavirus. "The virus cannot be transmitted through goods manufactured in China or any country reporting Covid-19 cases. Even though it can stay on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days (depending on the type of surface), it is very unlikely that the virus will persist on a surface after it has been moved, traveled, and exposed to different conditions and temperatures. If you think a surface may be contaminated, use a disinfectant to clean it. After touching it, clean your hands and follow proper personal hygiene," clarified the authority.
Other beliefs that have been proved wrong by the WHO include that the disease may be transmitted through mosquito bites. "There has been no information nor evidence to suggest that Covid-19 can be transmitted by mosquitoes. It is a respiratory virus that spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose," it said.
Hand dryers or ultraviolet disinfection lamps are not effective in killing the Covid-19, according to the WHO. "Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have developed a fever, however, they cannot detect people who are infected but are not yet sick with fever. This is because it takes between two and 10 days before people who are infected become sick and develop a fever."
No vaccines have been effective in curbing the virus so far, said the WHO, busting the belief that vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B vaccine, may provide protection against the new coronavirus. "The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine and the WHO is supporting their efforts. Although these vaccines are not effective against Covid-19, vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect your health," added the authority. "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."
People of all ages can be infected by Covid-19. Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus. The WHO advised people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.
To date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the new coronavirus. However, those infected with the virus should receive appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms, and those with severe illness should receive optimised supportive care. Some specific treatments are under investigations and will be tested through clinical trials. The WHO is helping to accelerate research and development efforts with a range or partners.
sameeha@khaleejtimes.com