COVID-19 MYTHS
MYTH: VARIOUS TREATMENTS
The Science Says:
Information provided Courtesy of Mayo Clinic
Pneumonia and flu vaccines.
Vaccines against pneumonia and influenza don't protect against the COVID-19 virus. However, annual flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone age six months and older.
Saline nasal wash.
There is no evidence that rinsing your nose with saline protects against infection with the COVID-19 virus.
High temperatures.
Exposure to the sun or temperatures higher than 77 F (25 C) doesn't prevent the COVID-19 virus or cure COVID-19.
Low temperatures.
Cold weather also can't kill the COVID-19 virus.
Antibiotics.
Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. However, people hospitalized due to COVID-19 might be given antibiotics because they also have developed a bacterial infection.
Alcohol and chlorine spray.
Spraying alcohol or chlorine on your body won't kill viruses that have entered your body.
Garlic.
There is no evidence that eating garlic protects against infection with the COVID-19 virus.
Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection lamp.
Ultraviolet light can be used as a disinfectant on surfaces. But don't use a UV lamp to sterilize your hands or other areas of your body. UV radiation can cause skin irritation.
Disinfectants.
When applied to surfaces, disinfectants can help kill germs such as the COVID-19 virus. However, don't use disinfectants on your body or inject them into your body or swallow them.
Supplements.
Many people take vitamin C, zinc, green tea, or echinacea to boost their immune systems. But these supplements are unlikely to affect your immune function or prevent you from getting sick. The supplement colloidal silver, marketed as a COVID-19 treatment, isn’t safe or effective for treating any disease. Oleandrin, an extract from the toxic oleander plant, is poisonous and shouldn’t be taken as a supplement or home remedy.
Ivermectin.
This drug is often used in the U.S. to treat or prevent parasites in animals. In humans, specific doses of ivermectin tablets can be used to treat parasitic worms. A topical version can be applied to the skin to treat head lice and skin conditions. However, ivermectin isn’t a drug for treating viruses, and the FDA hasn’t approved the use of this drug to treat or prevent COVID-19. Taking large doses of this drug can cause serious harm. Don’t use medications intended for animals on yourself.