Do not fall prey to these myths surrounding COVID-19

Team Udayavani, Apr 22, 2021, 11:04 AM IST

Source: Unsplash

In the second wave of coronavirus pandemic, India has witnessed a sudden surge in the number of positive cases being reported on daily basis. Meanwhile, social media has been abuzz with several myths and home remedies related to the pandemic.

Below are few myths that one must avoid:

1) Coronil kit from Ramdev’s Patanjali 

One such message that has been doing rounds on social media is Ramdev’s Patanjali Research Institute about its protective kit named Divya Swasaru Coronil kit consisting of Ashvagndha, giloy, tulsi, kakda singi, rudanti and powerful minerals.

Despite being approved by the AYUSH ministry, WHO sidelined itself from the claim.

.@WHO has not reviewed or certified the effectiveness of any traditional medicine for the treatment #COVID19.

— World Health Organization South-East Asia (@WHOSEARO) February 19, 2021

2) Smelling camphor from a white cloth 

Another message that has been going viral claims that smelling a combination of camphor, cloves, carrom seeds and a few drops of eucalyptus oil can help in increasing oxygen levels in the body.

The doctors have confirmed that smelling camphor does not increase oxygen levels. Smelling camphor clears blockages in the nasal passage which gives a feeling of better airflow.

Some damage has already occurred in the last hour or so and all thanks to our jadibutti wali pudiyas!! Please keep such things out of reach of patients. They are not a substitute to oxygen! Stop being stupid! 4/4

— Dr. Devashish Palkar (@psychidiaries) April 20, 2021

3)Drinking or spraying alcohol

The WHO has released a response to a series of myths surrounding alcohol and COVID-19. They wrote, ” Consuming alcohol poses health risks but consuming high strength ethyl alcohol, particularly if it has been adulterated with methanol, can result in severe health consequences.”

Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered the body. Alcohol is useful to disinfect surfaces when used under proper recommendations.

4) Drinking hot water and intake of vitamin C

Vitamin C is believed to have healing benefits, it may boost the immune system but there is no evidence that it may help people fight off coronavirus.

Drinking warm water may make you feel better but there is no evidence that it will cure you.

According to WHO, having a bath in hot water won’t help either as the body temperature remains at an average of 36.5 °C to 37°C regardless of the temperature of the shower.