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Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many reports and opinions are circling around social media about the virus from its transmission to its treatment.

Fake news about COVID-19 is also circulating through social media and this has a psychological and mental effect on people reading it. It can cause panic and hysteria. It is one of the reasons why "panic buying" has become such a major problem.

At this time, many pretend to be an expert on the virus and talk a lot about it without credible sources. It seems as though sometimes they are acting like infectious disease experts or epidemiologists. 

In this moment of a global health crisis, everyone should know some of the basic facts about COVID-19 from experts, and not from someone who does not have the credibility to spread information about it.

Here are some facts that you should know about COVID-19 according to a group of epidemiologists in a recently published article:

TRANSMISSION

CLAIM: COVID-19 can be transmitted through mosquito bites and eating Chinese food.

FACT: COVID-19 is a respiratory virus and can only be transmitted primarily by droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, breaths out, through droplets of saliva, and discharge from the nose. It is the main reason why hand-washing and proper hygiene are very important. The social distancing of not less than one meter must also be observed to avoid the virus from undetected patients.

PROTECTION

CLAIM #1: Rinsing your nose with saline regularly can help prevent a person from being infected by COVID-19.

FACT: There is no scientific evidence that rinsing the nose using saline can help a person avoid infection from the virus. Though, there is some weak evidence that states that using saline can help a person recover quicker from common colds. But again, COVID-19 is a respiratory virus and using saline does not prevent respiratory problems.

CLAIM #2: Many claims are circling around social media that spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body can help you keep away the virus. There are some claims that state that drinking excessive amounts of water can somehow "flush out" the virus.

FACT: There are no scientific studies or substantial evidence that will back up these claims. As recommended by the CDC, health experts, and infectious disease experts, the best way to keep yourself protected against the virus is frequent handwashing and practicing social distancing.

CLAIM #3: Hand dryers are effective in killing COVID-19.

FACT: Hand dryers are not effective in killing the virus. However, frequent handwashing using soap and water is the most effective way and hands should be thoroughly dried using a clean towel or air dryer.

CLAIM #4: There are also many suggestions that cold weather, hot weather, eating garlic, and taking a hot bath can prevent a person from being infected by the virus.

FACT: Again, this claim has no supporting evidence. As recommended again by the experts, frequent handwashing using soap and water and the practice of social distance is the best way to keep yourself away from the virus. 

CLAIM #5: Wear a face mask at all times while outside.

FACT: There is no need for a healthy person to wear a face mask at all times. Provided that he or she will observe social distancing and avoid mass gatherings. Face masks are only effective if you have cough and colds which are the common symptoms of COVID-19.

In this case, you have to self-quarantine and observe proper hygiene including handwashing. Only those who are elderly and those who have existing medical conditions are strictly advised to wear a face mask at all times when they are outside their home.

TREATMENT

CLAIM: Antibiotics can help prevent and treat COVID-19.

FACT: There are no medicines yet to treat patients who test positive for COVID-19. In fact, antibiotics do not work against the virus, they are only used against bacteria. However, mild symptoms of COVID-19 can be treated using fever-reducing medicine like paracetamol. 

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