Safe In 60: Clearing Up COVID-19 Remedy Myths

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – There is more and more information about the efforts to find ways to prevent, cure and treat the coronavirus.

We also see misinformation circulating, with people claiming certain things will prevent contracting the disease.

Eating garlic will prevent it, using your phone while connected to a 5g tower will cause it. These are things we hear either on social media or otherwise about the coronavirus. But is there any supporting science behind these claims?

Let’s clear up some of the most common myths that are floating around out there.

Although some of these remedies can be convincing, they will NOT prevent becoming infected with COVID-19:

• Taking a hot bath.
• Adding pepper to your soup or other meals.
• Using hot air hand dryers.
• Introducing bleach, or other disinfectants into your body. These are poisonous if ingested.
• Drinking lots of water will not flush out the virus. It will keep you hydrated, and that has many health benefits. Preventing the Coronavirus is not one of them.
• Rinsing your nose with saline
• Garlic, vitamin C, and essential oils
• Taking medication prescribed for other diseases. Although studies are in progress, there are no known drugs at this time that will prevent, treat or cure the disease.
• Exposing yourself to the sun or excessive heat will not prevent coronavirus. There are some studies that show the half-life of the virus may not live as long on surfaces in these environments, but it won’t prevent the spread.

And there is no evidence to support you can get COVID-19 from:

• Mosquitos, ticks, or houseflies.
• Using your phone while connected to a 5g tower.

The most effective ways to prevent contracting COVID-19 remains: good hand washing and not touching your face, avoiding those who are sick, practicing social distancing, and when that’s not possible, wearing face coverings.

Accurate information about COVID-19:

• Find trusted sources of information.
  • Social media is great for communication, but can be full of misinformation that can raise fear and panic.
  • Stick to facts with based on science and research. Websites like public health and safety organizations will provide the most accurate information. Look to your local health department, the CDC, and peer reviewed articles or journals.
• Only share information from trusted sources.