Take heed . . . Myths about the Coronavirus you shouldn’t fall for 

The coronavirus outbreak continues to attract the attention of the world and as health authorities battle to contain the spread of the virus, rumours, myths, and conspiracy theories have been fast circulating via social media. At a University of the West Indies Vice-Chancellor’s forum entitled Demystifying the Coronavirus on Thursday, Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency Dr Joy St John said she was aware that people were terrified by the misinformation being circulated especially on social media in what appeared to be authentic looking formats. She warned,  “One of the biggest risks to the region is the social media misinformation, which is a risk to the stable profile of the Caribbean.”

So, for example, by now you may have seen this warning, and it’s all a hoax.

Urgent health bulletin to the public

“Prevention method is to keep your throat moist, do not let your throat dry up. Thus do not hold your thirst because once your membrane in your throat is dried, the virus will invade your body within 10 minutes.

Till the end of March 2020, do not go to crowded places, wear masks as needed, especially in train or public transportation.

Avoid fried or spicy food and load up Vitamin C.

The virus causing it is very potent and is resistant to existing antibiotics.

Here’s what you need to know:

What is 2019 novel coronavirus?

The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a new virus that causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person-to-person. This virus was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

Can people in Barbados get 2019-nCoV?

At this time this virus has not been detected in Barbados. Right now, the greatest risk of infection is for people in Wuhan or people who have travelled to Wuhan and other parts of China. Since the first case was identified in China, other cases have been confirmed in other parts of the Western Pacific, South East Asia, the USA, Canada and Europe. Because of travel between countries, it is possible for the virus to reach Barbados. Our health authorities continue to closely monitor the situation.

How does 2019-nCoV spread?

With similar coronaviruses (MERS and SARS) person-to-person spread is thought to have happened mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other viruses that cause respiratory illness spread. There also may be some spread when a person touches a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touches his or her own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

What are the symptoms of 2019-nCoV?

Patients with 2019-nCoV have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath.

What are severe complications from this virus?

Some patients develop pneumonia in both lungs.

How can I help protect myself?

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. This can be done by:

Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

Not touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Washing your hands often and with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

What if I have a respiratory Illness?

Avoid spreading respiratory illness to others by:

Staying at home as much as possible.

Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throwing the tissue in the trash can.

Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

What should I do if I recently travelled to China and got sick?

If you were in China within the past 14 days and feel sick with fever, are coughing or have difficulty breathing, you should get medical care immediately. Call the office of your healthcare provider before you go and tell them about your travel and your symptoms. They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness.

Is there a vaccine?

There is currently no vaccine to protect against 2019-nCoV.

Is there a treatment?

There is no specific antiviral treatment for 2019-nCoV. People with 2019-nCov can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms.