First, we hope you’re safe. The Coronavirus is a real threat and will only be controlled with caution, hygiene, social distancing, and self-quarantine.
Things look bad, yes, but this is not the end of the word; we’ll live through this. Right now, there’s a more significant threat than the virus: misinformation.
People are looking to capitalize on other people’s fear making a quick buck, and people themselves are acting crazy fueled by erroneous data, putting themselves and others at risk.
These are 8 Coronavirus cure scams and other misinformation you shouldn’t believe.
#8 – Elderberry syrup doesn’t work
A celebrity TV doctor recently claimed that drinking elderberry syrup four times a day could keep the Covid-19 virus away.
No scientific research backs this claim, so don’t throw away your money. Eat healthy, sleep well, and stay home instead.
No food whatsoever makes you immune to any virus.
#7 – Vitamin D is good for you but doesn’t help VS Covid-19
Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin present in fatty fish and other foods, is essential for our health, but recent fake news has given it anti-Coronavirus properties, and that’s dangerous.
Vitamin D is beneficial for bone health and might help to have a strong immune system, but it doesn’t have any direct impact on how the Covid-19 affects your body.
If you’re staying at home and not seeing much sunshine, by all means, take vitamin D supplements, but don’t think for a second, they will prevent you from getting the virus.
#6 – Not even vitamin C will lower the risk of getting infected
It’s common knowledge that vitamin C can help us prevent respiratory diseases. This apparent truth goes back to 2006 when a study suggested that vitamin C could prevent the flu.
Recent studies, though, show there’s no direct correlation between vitamin C intake and respiratory disease prevention.
Vitamin C is excellent for you, but you shouldn’t overdo it. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables will give you the amount of vitamin C you need; supplements are overrated.
#5 – Antibiotics do nothing against the virus
People are stocking up on antibiotics, and others have just started taking them just in case. This is one of the most dangerous things you can do in situations like these.
Covid-19 is a virus, and like all other viruses, it’s immune to antibiotics. Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them, though, can severely weaken your immune system, so you’ll be even more vulnerable to the virus.
Flu treatments are not useful either; they can mask the Coronavirus symptoms putting you at serious risk.
#4 – Water won’t make you immune
Some social media channels wrongfully advise people to drink water all the time to prevent the virus from “sticking” and lead it to your stomach instead of your lungs. There’s no scientific evidence to back this theory — Common sense doesn’t back it up either.
Sure, stay hydrated, but water won’t make you immune to the virus. This is the information that you should identify as fake news and cure scams, and not only not follow this advice; you shouldn’t share it either.
#3 – Chinese food is as safe as any other food
The virus might have originated in China, at least that’s what we know so far, but that doesn’t mean that A) you should discriminate Asian people and B) you should avoid Chinese food and ingredients.
It might sound silly, but people believe that Chinese food can make them sick, and that’s wrong in more than one way.
Chinese restaurants are struggling as much (or more) than any other restaurant, and in these troublesome times, they depend on delivery as much as any other food business, so don’t be racist.
#2 – There’s no need for panic grocery shopping sprees
Panic buying sprees not only are unnecessary but can make things worse. Although a self-quarantine program is in place in most countries, you can still go out to buy food.
Many people are buying too much stuff, leaving those who really need it without a chance to get essential supplies.
Buying more food than what you can actually eat or store properly, actually increases the risk of you getting sick by food poisoning, and hospitals are too busy to take care of you for eating expired food.
#1 – You will not get infected by food
According to government officials, it’s unlikely to be infected by food. There has been no evidence or a single case of people getting Covid-19 through food, not in Asia, America, or Europe.
Food could get contaminated if you touch it with your dirty hands, though, as they have proven that we’re transmitting the virus with our hands to everything we touch.
Washing your hands and sanitizing fruits and veggies is the best way to stay safe. Eating out can also increase the risk of becoming sick, but not for the food but the surrounding people.
There’s no reason to panic.
According to the World Health Organization, the best thing to do is to stay home, eat and sleep well, keep social distance, wash your hands often, and avoid touching your face.
There’s no miracle cure, magic potion, or special diet that can make you safer from the fast-spreading virus. Stay safe, and don’t believe everything you read!
