Myths and Facts about COVID 19

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  • COVID-19 is a new illness and we are still learning about it.
  • There are many stories (or myths) being told about how people get infected, how to prevent someone catching it, and how to treat it. Not all of these are true.
  • In this video we will outline some of the stories that are being told about COVID-19. And whether they are true or not.
  • Remember, it is important to get your information from reliable sources.
  • Belief: Covid-19 only infects older people.
  • Fact: People of all ages, including children, can be infected by COVID 19. However, older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease) are more likely to become severely ill with the virus. For this reason, is very important to take prescribed medications to treat these diseases as long as COVID-19 is circulating.
  • Belief: Locally made concoctions, such as mixtures of garlic, pawpaw, aloe-vera, can cure COVID-19.
  • Fact: Unfortunately, these foods cannot prevent or cure COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is to keep at least 1 metre away from others and to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly especially before preparing or eating food. It is also beneficial for your general health to maintain a balanced diet, drink plenty of fluids, exercise regularly and sleep well.
  • Belief: COVID-19 only affects white people and does not circulate in hot countries.
  • Fact: You can catch COVID-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is or what colour your skin is. Countries with hot weather and people from every country have reported cases of COVID-19. To protect yourself, make sure you clean your hands frequently and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.  
  • Belief: Some animal foods can cause Covid-19 (e.g. Chicken, eggs)
  • Fact: Although coronaviruses, including COVID-19, are common in animals there is no evidence that animal foods cause COVID-19 infection. They can be eaten safely as part of a healthy diet.
  • Belief: If someone has no symptoms or only mild symptoms it means they are not infected with COVID 19.
  • Fact: Over three quarters of patients with COVID-19 have mild symptoms and some people may barely notice that they have it. Because of this, it is important to maintain a distance of at least 1 m when out in public and to cough into the sleeve or into a tissue. Remember, if you have a new cough or fever, you need to isolate yourself at home and seek medical advice even if you feel quite well. 
  • Belief: Suffering episodes of malaria prevents COVID-19 infection
  • Fact: There is no evidence that having had malaria protects you against COVID 19. Malaria is caused by a parasite while COVID 19 is caused by a virus.  It is important to remember that even when COVID 19 is circulating, people can still get malaria and should seek appropriate treatment if they have symptoms.
  • Belief: Drinking water frequently can prevent Covid-19
  • Fact: It is important to stay hydrated but drinking water will not prevent you getting COVID-19. Frequent washing of your hands is the most important thing you can do to prevent the spread of infection.
  • Belief: COVID 19 only affects sinners
  • Fact: COVID-19 can affect anyone and has been found in every country in the world. It doesn’t matter how good your life has been.  It is important to not blame people for getting COVID 19. All patients with new onset cough or fever should isolate themselves at home and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

 

How to avoid getting COVID 19

Remember the important things to prevent getting COVID 19

  1. Wash your hands well and often.
  2. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
  3. Distance yourself at least 1 metre away from other people when away from your home and do not shake hands.
  4. Avoid crowded places.
  5. If you suffer new onset of symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath or sudden loss of taste or smell, isolate yourself at home and seek medical attention.

Background Music

Easy Jam by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100245

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Voice Over: Elias Phiri


This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.