There is a lot of information circulating about the COVID-19 pandemic, so it is extremely important to know what is true and what is not. Some of the most important steps to stop the spread of the coronavirus is to regularly wash your hands and observe social distancing. In this article, we will address some commonly held misconceptions regarding COVID-19, and use facts to call these misunderstandings into question.

MYTH # 1: The new coronavirus was deliberately created or released by people.

FACT: Viruses can change over time. Sometimes, a disease outbreak happens when a virus that is common in an animal such as a pig, bat or bird undergoes changes and passes on to humans. This is likely the cause of how the new coronavirus came to be.

MYTH # 2: Prolonged use of medical masks causes CO2 intoxication and oxygen deficiency.

FACT: 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 reuse a disposable mask and always change it as soon as it gets damp.

MYTH # 3: Exposing yourself to the sun or temperatures higher than 25°C prevents COVID-19.

FACT: You can contract COVID-19 if you do not follow the proper guidelines,no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. Countries with very hot weather conditions have reported cases of COVID-19.

MYTH # 4: Antibiotics are effecti​ve in preventing and treating the coronavirus.

FACT: No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. However,if you are hospitalised for the COVID-19, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.

MYTH # 5: Eating garlic provides protection against the coronavirus.

FACT: Garlic is a healthy food that has some antimicrobial properties.However, there is no evidence from the current COVID-19 outbreak that suggests that eating garlic has protected people from contracting the virus.

MYTH # 6: Taking a hot bath prevents the new coronavirus disease.

FACT: Taking a hot bath does not prevent you from catching COVID-19. Your normal body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower. In fact, taking a hot bath with extremely hot water can be harmful, as it can burn you.

MYTH # 7: The coronavirus can easily be spread through shoes.

FACT: The likelihood of COVID-19 being spread on shoes and infecting individuals is very low. As a precautionary measure, particularly in homes where infants and small children crawl or play on floors, consider leaving your shoes at the entrance of your home. This will help prevent contact with dirt or any waste that could be carried on the soles of shoes.

MYTH # 8: A vaccine to cure COVID-19 is available.

FACT: There is no vaccine for COVID-19 right now. Scientists have already begun working on one, but developing a vaccine that is safe and effective inhuman beings will take more time.