The coronavirus outbreak has led to an avalanche of health information being shared on TV, radio and the internet.
Such is the quantity of advice out there, it can be hard for people to stay on top of the facts relating to the virus.
Dr Gero Baiarda, a UK National Health Service (NHS) general practitioner, currently on call at GPDQ – a GP-on-demand service, outlines what he believes are the biggest myths that need tackling.
1. Coronavirus is a living organism
The virus, officially named Sars-CoV-2, is technically “not alive”, Dr Baiarda says.
He explains that the virus is simply “a protein super-molecule rather than a living organism”.
Dr Baiarda suggests that as a result you “cannot kill” the virus, but that does not mean it cannot be destroyed or allowed to decay.
“The time it takes to break down depends on the environmental temperature, humidity and type of material upon which it settles,” he says.
2. People are most contagious before they even know they have the virus
“This is untrue,” Dr Baiarda argues.
He says that the virus invades, infects and destroys cells, allowing millions of new viruses to be created that can be passed on to others or shed on surfaces.
“Spread is most effective, therefore, in coughed droplets. Patients who are asymptomatic can, however, pass on the virus as soon as they are infected.”
3. It’s a hardy virus
According to Dr Baiarda, the virus is in fact surprisingly fragile, with its only protection being a “thin outer layer of lipid or fat”.
He says: “That is why any soap or detergent, both of which break down fat, will destroy it – even washing-up liquid works well.”
It’s also why it is so important that we all keep washing our hands regularly with soap and water.
4. If delivery drivers wear gloves, they will not spread it
“This is wrong. Every item that a gloved hand touches can then be contaminated,” he says.
Dr Baiarda highlights a recent study from the New England Journal of Medicine that found the virus can survive for several hours on cardboard.
“To stay safe, the best advice is not to touch the parcel until ideally the following day.”
5. The virus cannot be passed on by food
This appears to be an area up for some debate, as Dr Baiarda adopts a stricter approach to the risks posed by food than other experts.
Public Health England and the Food Standards Agency say you are very unlikely to catch the virus through food or via food packaging.
Dr Baiarda acknowledges transmission through food is less likely than other means, but argues it is “definitely still possible”.
“If someone who has the virus on their hands touches food, it is very likely to become contaminated for many hours,” he says. “To denature and inactivate the virus, food should either be washed or cooked at 65°C for at least four minutes or more.”
6. Sanitiser with 60 per cent alcohol is as effective as washing with soap and water
“Wrong. Squirting a little bit of alcohol gel on your palms and rubbing them together is not effective,” Dr Baiarda says.
“You need to cover the entire surface of both hands including fingers and thumbs, but this should be done only after the hands are free of any residues – such as after sneezing.
“The small bottles of sanitiser are part of the problem, as people assume a small amount is ample.”
7. Drinking alcohol will prevent people from getting the virus
Sadly, for those who enjoy a little tipple, this is not true. The only alcohol helping to stop the spread of the virus is that found in hand sanitiser.
Dr Baiarda emphasises: “This is only for external use, and even then, it is only effective if it has a concentration of 60 per cent or above, if you use enough, and in the right way.”
8. Moisturising hands after washing reduces cleanliness
“Incorrect,” Dr Baiarda says, “Moisturising the skin is very important. The virus can lodge itself in damaged skin on your hands cracked by repeated washing, so it’s important to try to avoid this.
“Keeping fingernails short will reduce the risk of sheltering and passing on the virus too.”
9. Washing hands is not as important when self-isolating, as you are virus free
Dr Bairada says this perspective is simply wrong. If you are bringing in shopping, deliveries and post into your home, then washing your hands remains important.
“Every time you wash your hands you will break the chain of infection. If in doubt, give them a wash,” he adds.
This means for at least 20 seconds, with warm, soapy water and then ideally using disposable paper towels rather than a communal one.
If using towels, try to stick to one per person and wash them daily, Dr Baiarda advises.
10. Vinegar is good for keeping bathrooms and kitchens free of the virus
“Incorrect. Vinegar will not work against Sars-CoV-2 and is not advised,” Dr Baiarda says.
“The cleaning of bathrooms, kitchens and surfaces is still best carried out with hot water from the tap and a surface detergent as you have always done.”
He adds that people seeking to disinfect shared areas in a home can use a dilution of household bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
Have you seen any of these ‘facts’ being spread on social media?
– With PA
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