Scott Douglas Jacobsen
As of as of October 25, 2020, over 9.6 million Canadians have been tested for the coronavirus with over 216,000 cases, over 24,700 active cases, and 9,900 deaths (data from the Government of Canada). Everyone knows the general recommendations coming from the Canadian Government, from their health authorities, and… from their grandmothers — i.e., wear a mask, wash your hands, physically distance at least 2 metres (6 feet) or more, etc.
This article focuses less on the obvious and more on the interesting myths, which have arisen in the time of the coronavirus. These resources come more comprehensively from the World Health Organization. There was misinformation about the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine for helping clinically with COVID-19. It does not. It helps with “malaria, lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis.” Current evidence suggests the drug does not reduce deaths of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
COVID-19, the disease, is caused by a virus (SARS-CoV-2), and not by a bacterium. It is part of the Coronaviridae family of viruses. This means antibiotics do not work for COVID-19, because antibiotics do not work against viruses. Antibiotics can be recommended by a provider of healthcare if some complications involve a bacterial infection alongside COVID-19. No current drugs have been licensed as effective in prevention or treatment of COVID-19.
The World Health Organization states, “The prolonged use of medical masks can be uncomfortable. However, it does not lead to CO2 intoxication nor oxygen deficiency. While wearing a medical mask, make sure it fits properly and that it is tight enough to allow you to breathe normally. Do not re-use a disposable mask and always change it as soon as it gets damp.” (However, for people wearing disposable masks in low risk environments, it is reasonable to reuse them until they are no longer functional.)
An important fact about COVID-19, as indicated by the above-mentioned statistics from the Government of Canada: Many die, but most patients of COVID-19 recover. Here’s a fact, too: Drinking alcohol does not, in any way, protect from COVID-19. It, in fact, can be dangerous: The stuff we drink isn’t strong enough to kill the virus, and the stuff that kills the virus can kill us if we drink it.
This one was simply too odd when I came across it. Some think COVID-19 can be spread via houseflies. There is no evidence to suggest this, at this time. It cannot be spread by mosquito bites either. Cold weather and snow don’t kill it; hot baths don’t prevent it; hot and humid climates don’t kill COVID-19. Exposure to the sun or 25-degree Celsius weather will not protect from COVID-19. Bleach taken orally — and, presumably, rectally/anally — will not cure COVID-19. It is “extremely dangerous.” (Only attempt if you intend candidacy for a Darwin Award.)
“Do not under any circumstance spray or introduce bleach or any other disinfectant into your body. These substances can be poisonous if ingested and cause irritation and damage to your skin and eyes,” the World Health Organization warned. “Bleach and disinfectant should be used carefully to disinfect surfaces only. Remember to keep chlorine (bleach) and other disinfectants out of reach of children.”
Mainly, as the fact of the matter, COVID-19 spreads via droplets from coughing, sneezing, and speaking. It can also spread from touching surfaces that are contaminated before someone then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.
Lastly, there are no known mechanisms by which 5G mobile networks spread COVID-19.