There is some false information in the community about the treatment and prevention of COVID-19, which is thought to be true.

For example, “the information that antibiotics are effective against viruses is wrong, antibiotics are only effective against bacteria.” Alcohol and chlorine spray that we use for hand disinfection can be used to clean surfaces and our hands. Swallowing or spraying them into the mouth is out of the question. There is no evidence that eating garlic is beneficial in preventing Covid 19...

Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital Medical Microbiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Pınar Çıragil updated our information about these and similar misconceptions. 

• Avoiding places with 5G mobile networks protects us from COVID-19 infection!

CORRECTION: This is not the case, as viruses are not carried over radio waves and mobile networks. In addition, in some countries where 5G is not available, pandemics due to COVID-19 are seen.

• The use of additional vitamins protects against COVID-19.

CORRECTION: Many people take additional supplements to strengthen the immune system, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, green tea, and echinacea. Using them can act to strengthen our immune functions, but there is no evidence that additional vitamins protect directly from COVID-19.

• Wearing silver is protective.

CORRECTION: There is no evidence that the use of silver necklaces is effective in preventing or treating COVID-19.

• Viruses disappear in sunlight.

CORRECTION: During the winter months, there were rumors that the virus would disappear at high temperatures in the summer days we are in, but it was seen that this was not true. Ultraviolet rays can cause damage to the body. UVB can cause skin damage. UVC is relatively less harmful to the skin. Exposure to the sun's rays and temperatures above 25 degrees does not protect us from COVID-19 and is not effective in the treatment of COVID-19. Contacting a person who is COVID-19 positive or asymptomatic carrier without following the rules of social distancing and mask use can lead to the transmission of the disease even on sunny days.

• Taking a shower with hot water protects against COVID-19.

CORRECTION: There is no scientific data that taking a shower with very hot water also protects from COVID-19. However, coronavirus can stick to the hair and beard. Therefore, when we rub our hands on our hair, we should wash our hands with soap and water.

• Children do not get sick.

CORRECTION: Children can also get COVID-19. Moreover, children without symptoms are carriers and can carry the disease to adults. Children of all age groups are susceptible to COVID-19 infection. It plays an important role in transmission and infection.

• Used masks can be disinfected in microwave ovens.

CORRECTION: This is very wrong information. Metal parts can be damaged inside N95 masks. Some fabric masks are washable. If it cannot be washed, it can be disinfected and reused by ventilating it for a few days in a clean place exposed to sunlight. Because the coronavirus cannot live on surfaces for more than 3 days.

• Taking Vitamin D prevents catching the disease.

CORRECTION: There is no scientific data that vitamin D protects from Covid 19. Vitamin D is essential for healthy muscles, strong bones, and a strong immune system. But taking large amounts of vitamin D can have toxic effects. It can have side effects such as heart rhythm problems, bone pain, and kidney damage.

• Vegetables and fruits should be washed with soapy water.

CORRECTION: Coronavirus cannot be transmitted through food because the acid in our stomach causes the coronavirus to die. Therefore, it is not recommended to clean vegetables and fruits in this way. Just rubbing with water is sufficient. However, after washing them, it is necessary to wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Otherwise, if there is a coronavirus on these foods, there is a possibility of contamination when we touch our mouth or face with our hands.

• Coronavirus is transmitted from pets.

CORRECTION:  There are some publications on this subject. But animals are not thought to play a significant role in spreading the coronavirus to humans. For this reason, it is not recommended to routinely perform Covid 19 tests for animals.

• Coronavirus moves and spreads with the wind.

CORRECTION: It is known that the coronavirus cannot circulate in the air for a long time. It can be spread by droplets formed as a result of coughing or sneezing by someone carrying the virus. We know that these droplets are heavy and cannot be suspended in the air for a long time and settle to the ground. Therefore, the wind is not much of a risk factor. However, if the virus falls on some surfaces with the wind and sticks to it, and after touching those surfaces, touching the face, nose, and mouth with hands poses a risk.

The use of contact lenses in coronavirus transmission carries a higher risk than glasses. However, there is still no definitive proof. It can cause an eye infection if hand hygiene is not taken care of. Therefore, contact lens users should pay more attention to hand hygiene during this period

• A person with a positive antibody test will not undergo it again because they had an infection.

CORRECTION: Our information about this virus is not very sufficient at the moment. Antibodies are a response of the body against bacteria or viruses, but the duration of protection against Covid 19 infection is not clearly known. The relationship between antibody level and protection has not been fully explained. A positive antibody (IgG antibody positive) test only indicates that we have undergone the disease. However, there is not yet sufficient evidence to show that it protects against being infected again. Some antibody tests may “cross-react” with the new coronavirus and other coronaviruses, and the test may also be positive as a result of a previous influenza infection.

• Even if I am the only one who wears a mask in the open, and the people around me do not, it's okay.

CORRECTION: Transmission can occur as a result of not using masks and not following social distances even in open areas. If the asymptomatic carrier does not use a mask, the transmission may be inevitable if the social distance is not observed. If the physical distance is not observed and one of the two people does not wear a mask, the probability of transmission is 5 percent, while there will be no risk of transmission if both people wear masks and follow physical distance. Based on the fact that the virus is transmitted through droplets and close contact, each individual's wearing a mask, paying attention to physical distance, and complying will prevent the spread of the infection.
Prof. Dr. Pınar Çıragil, who again emphasized and reminded the importance of using masks, complying with hand hygiene, and observing social distancing to protect from Covid 19, said, “In addition, some additional precautions must be taken. It is necessary to ensure that these rules are followed among the people.”