Coronavirus - myths

[Trish]

Having just been caught out by a myth, here's a helpful CNN video and article:

One dangerous coronavirus 'self-check test' is circulating on social media. Here's why you should avoid it.

The myths listed are:

Myth: Drinking water will protect you.
Myth: Gargling salt water will protect you.
Myth: If you can hold your breath for 10 seconds without coughing you're OK.
Myth: If you have a runny nose it's just a cold
Myth: If you have coronavirus you'll get pneumonia
Myth: Coronavirus patients will experience a drowning sensation.

 

[ahimsa]

Thanks @Trish

I happened to see a web page debunking some other myths on the WHO website:

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters​

A few facts (lots more on the website):

• COVID-19 virus CAN be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates
• Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the new coronavirus
• The new coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites
• Hand dryers ARE NOT effective in killing the 2019-nCoV

 

[Roy S]

In the US there has been a lot of wrong information.

Many younger people think they have nothing to worry about and have been engaging in risky behavior.

Some people in their 20's, 30's, and 40's are getting very sick and some are dying. That news is coming out a little more now.

 

[perchance dreamer]

Also, in the U.S., many young people are taking advantage of now cheap flights, not realizing they could more easily get the virus and/or spread it to someone else if they fly right now. An airplane is the last place I'd want to be. @Roy S, I think you're right about incorrect info being spread about young people's vulnerability.

It's a hard one to get through to them, though. For many, part of being young is feeling invulnerable. My best friend is having a hard time getting her grown son to take this all seriously.

 

[Mij]

Comments from a Naturopathic 'doctor'. I wasn't sure if I should have posted this in the "Funnier Side of Life" thread.

 

[Invisible Woman]

If you wear a mask, I hope you have strong kidneys

???

You do know masks are supposed to be made of material that you can actually breathe through, right?

You are wearing them (one mask at a time and not layers of 'em) on your face, aren't you?

Do you have to have special kidney tests to see if you're kidneys are "strong" enough to become surgeons, theatre nurses, lab workers, dentists and so on?

What is a "strong" kidney anyway?

 

[Mij]

@Invisible Woman

You would have to read her whole kooky thread. She is basically saying based on her test results that, " low urine pH means you can’t wear a mask!”

 

[Invisible Woman]

@Invisible Woman

You would have to read her whole kooky thread. She is basically saying based on her test results that, " low urine pH means you can’t wear a mask!”

Okay....

I don't know a massive amount about kidneys but won't the pH of urine vary depending on what you ingest?

The mind boggles - does the material the mask is made of matter?

What about a flower pattern vs an abstract pattern vs a plain one?

Sorry, it's hard not to take the p***.....

 

[Mij]

@Invisible Woman

She is quizzing people on twitter regarding a patients test results.

Reply from a medical doctor:
"Listen Sparky...that urine pH you cited is *normal*, but since this dipstick result is inconsistent with a UTI, & shows blood in the urine, you may have just missed a renal stone or bladder cancer. Good job".

 

[Invisible Woman]

She is quizzing people on twitter regarding a patients test results.

Obviously a highly professional individual!

Brilliant reply!