Many myths as to prevention of and treatment for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection are circulating and increasing in intensity. They serve no purpose except to cause confusion, potential injuries and even death.
The origins of these myths include a combination of old wives tales, self-made ideas due to lack of understanding of the virus itself, cultural beliefs and profit. The copycat syndrome is included in the spread of non-scientific information.
In addition to a list of myths released by the World Health Organization, which we strongly encourage you to review, the Infection Control Consulting Services (ICCS) team has been asked to comment on the following six myths.
1. Drinking alcohol can kill the virus. This is a myth and a potentially dangerous at that. The amount of alcohol ingested that would be needed for such a study is lethal and not a scientifically viable option.
2. Zinc lozenges can prevent the coronavirus and most other virus from multiplying in your throat and nasopharynx. The myth claims that it is "best to lie down and let the lozenge dissolve in the back of your throat and nasopharynx." This is a myth introduced by a pathologist and has no basis for prevention of any viruses, according to scientists. It is particularly concerning that anyone would advocate for sucking on a lozenge while laying down and running the risk of choking, besides the lack of evidence that zinc prevents any viruses from replicating.
3. COVID-19 causes a productive cough and drinking hot water will loosen the phlegm. This is a myth as hot water does not affect COVID-19. If the water is hot enough, it can burn a person. In addition, COVID-19 typically presents as a dry cough and not a productive cough.
4. Blowing a hairdryer up your nose will kill the viruses in your nose. This is a ridiculous claim and has no basis. Furthermore, an individual taking such an action runs the risk of burning themselves from the hot hairdryer.
5. Certain medications have been approved in the United States for treating COVID-19. This is a myth as, at the time of publication of this piece, there are no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medicinal treatments for this illness. Several trials are underway with a few medications. Unfortunately, information was released by the White House that has caused a nationwide shortage in an autoimmune condition medication, placing people with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus in jeopardy if they cannot obtain their medication. In addition, one person has died and their spouse hospitalized after they ingested large doses of a medication in a different form.
6. Silver kills the coronavirus within 12 hours. This is a myth peddled by at least one televangelist who also claimed that his "Silver Solution" strengthened the immune system. As the Mayo Clinic notes, "Colloidal silver isn't considered safe or effective for any of the health claims manufacturers make. Silver has no known purpose in the body. Nor is it an essential mineral, as some sellers of silver products claim." While rare, excessive doses of silver can cause serious health issues.
Reputable Sources of COVID-19 Information
ICCS stresses the importance of relying upon only healthcare-related updates, including those concerning COVID-19, issued by reputable organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH).