Dr. Faheem Younus from the University of Maryland in America, head of the Infectious Disease Clinic. He tweets Myths and facts about Covid-19, As per him People will live with Covid19 for months. Let’s not deny it or panic. Let’so  lets not make life unnecessarily complex or difficult. Let us learn how to live with covid19.

Myth

COVID +ve patients must be isolated in state-run quarantine facilities 

Truth

Whenever possible, let patients stay in home isolation OR masses will avoid testing

source: Link

Myth

We don’t have the resources to fight COVID

Fact 

It’s not about the resources; it’s about National will. Do:

- debunk conspiracy theories

- develop ONE national plan

- demand selfless leadership

- unite all stakeholders  

No divided nation will win against a united virus

Myth

Wear gloves in public places to prevent COVID

Fact 

Virus enters via mucosa of nose/throat/eyes; not skin

Gloved hands may accumulate more germs that end up transporting to your face. Risky!

Wash hands. Ditch gloves (unless you’re caring for a COVID patient)

Myth: Since there was no global travel 100 years ago, COVID will be worse than Spanish Flu. 

Fact

Partly true. But we also didn’t have so much info, antibiotics, antivirals, vaccines and ventilators 100 years ago. 

Chances of winning are much better this time.

Myth 

100% of us will get COVID eventually. So why bother?

Fact

Even Spanish flu, 100 yrs ago, infected ~33% of the world

Be patient, live cautiously, take one day at a time until you receive a vaccine shot. 

Then TELL a great story to your grandchildren

Never despair:)

Myth 

Hydroxychloroquine HQ can prevent COVID and there is no down side. 

Fact

There is NO scientific evidence that HQ prevents COVID. It can cause serious side effects. Use may deplete HQs supply for millions who use it for approved indications. 

source: Link

Myth:

You MUST shave facial hair or a mask won’t work

Fact:

Shave if you’re using an N95 mask (pictured) as it seals around the facial skin and blocks 95% of airborne particles under 0.5 microns

No need to shave if you’re using cloth mask or regular surgical masks

Follow up:

But doesn’t the virus become airborne with aerosolization?

Answer:

Yes. That’s not a natural phenomenon; happens with medical procedures that generate droplets <0.5 mic and we recommend appropriate precautions in that setting

For regular daily life, it’s not airborne

Claim

Air conditioners are a source of COVID

Truth

The strong air current from an AC/fan can propel COVID droplets farther than they’d normally travel. Risk is higher in tight spaces

Debate:

Coronavirus is airborne

My take:

CoV is a droplet infection, NOT airborne. (Yes, I’ve read the studies showing CoV remains suspended in air). They’re inconclusive 

If airborne infections (TB/measles) fly like an eagle, CoV flies like a chicken. There’s no comparison

Myth

Take vitamin C/ D and/or Zinc tablets will boost my immunity

Truth

Sleep, exercise and intermittent fasting may boost immunity

Vitamins and Zinc are ONLY beneficial if you’re deficient in them. Taking extra has NO proven benefit

source: Link

Myth: Sun exposure prevents COVID

Sun: “I never claimed that my rays will prevent COVID. Don’t blame me for another man made hokus pokus myth.

BTW, I reserve my right to cause more skin cancers if ya’ll don’t stop.

Where we were 2 months ago:

Our 1st COVID patient: 3/8/20 Treatments: 0

Now patients receive:

Remdesivir

Anticoagulants 

Convalescent plasma

Future patients may also get:

Interferon

Ivermectin

IL-6 blockers

Monoclonal immunoglobulins

Imagine where we’ll be in 2 months! Hope!

Myth

Must wipe groceries/produce with bleach or you’ll get COVID

Fact

Such bleach/chemical use does more harm than good. No COVID cases have been linked to contaminated packets????

COVID generates enough real problems; let’s not create more for ourselves

source: Link

Myth:

Change your clothes, wash your shoes, take a bath when you come home. Or you’ll give your family COVID

Fact:

Just wash your hands and hug your kids. (Yes, I’ve read the studies about virus surviving on surfaces:-)

Exception: Unless you work in a hospital’s COVID (then do)

Myth: 

We will never find a vaccine for COVID just like we never found one for HIV.

Truth: 

HIV mutations are very different/severe compared to coronavirus mutations. Plus HIV kills CD4s, the very cells required to build immunity.

COVID vaccine will be developed by 2021

Myth: Disinfectants have no down side; use them liberally

Truth: 

Disinfectants may promote bacterial resistance by a factor of 12

Prefer soap and water for hand washing

Use disinfectants:

In moderation 

Switch brands often

Leave them on surface longer

Myth:

Due to outbreaks in meat processing plants, stop eating meat. We can get COVID from it. 

Fact:

No we can’t. Because:

1. COVID is not a food borne disease. To get sick, we inhale - not ingest - the virus

2. Cooking the meat kills viruses anyways

Perspective 

Global weekly COVID deaths compared to big killers like malaria, suicide, alcohol, diabetes...

The “its just another flu” camp in some countries is now saying “why aren’t we seeing many deaths?”

You can either wait.....

Or wake up and mitigate

Has COVID infected your sleep?

My patients r reporting NIGHTMARES, sleeplessness, anxiety

Suggestions:

Talk about your nightmares (don’t internalize)

Sleep/wake up on time. Maintain schedule

Avoid over the counter sleep aids/alcohol/marijuana etc.

Give this phone a break:)

Myth: We should use disinfectants and “strong lights” to cure COVID. 

Truth: Ingesting disinfectants can be fatal. 

Instead as a people, we should all disinfect our hearts and enlighten our minds. EVERYONE please. 

COVID Health:

A simple tip to win against COVID: Stop smoking, vaping. Or convinced your loved ones to stop smoking. 

Your risk increase because of touching your face, sharing products with others, and damaging your lungs. 

Every smoke free day will help. Stop today.