For months now, we’ve been bombarded with news about the novel coronavirus as we watch the numbers of affected cases steadily rise.
Amidst the panic and anxiety, misinformation and myths have been spreading fast despite the governmental efforts to be transparent of any data and knowledge regarding the virus.
To be able to combat the virus effectively, the community needs to be equipped with facts that are rooted in science.
Whilst numerous myths may have arisen due to fear, it is often doing more damage than good.
Thus, we’ll be putting a pause on our permanent hair removal articles to dissect some of the common myths that are circulating on Whatsapp, social media and beyond.
Myth 1: COVID19 is just like the common flu
Coronavirus refers to the large family of viruses that share the same visual cue: a viron surrounded by a ‘corona’, or viral spike peplomers emerging from every proteinaceous envelope.
These viruses can trigger illnesses that can range from the common cold to more severe diseases, and whilst it is true that COVID19 carry flu-like symptoms, the overall profile is much more severe.
For one, the symptoms for COVID19 can develop for 2 weeks with a median incubation period of 5.1 days. In comparison, flu symptoms typically last within 1-4 days, with an incubation period of 1-3 days.
Whilst the symptoms for both illnesses can range from mild to severe, COVID19 has a higher severity, critical infection and mortality rate. This may be partly because research for COVID19 is still at its early stages, but even then, the mortality rate is between 3.4% compared to 0.1% due to influenza.
Myth 2: Face masks are sufficient as protection
Face masks are the first step to protecting yourself from coronavirus.
Since the virus is transmitted via contact, droplets and fomites, having a disposable or reusable cloth mask covering your nose and mouth will reduce the possibility of contracting COVID19.
However, unless you are using surgical and N95 respirators, you are still vulnerable to aerosolised particles.
That said, having a bit of protection is better than having none at all. After all, the government wouldn’t make it mandatory for each and every one of us to don a mask when we step outside of our home.
The recommended action to take is to wear a mask and maintain a 2-meter distance from others. Also, be sure to always maintain good personal and respiratory hygiene at all times.
Myth 3: Chlorine and alcohol kill the virus
Recently, US President Donald Trump has suggested ingesting bleach as a means to treat coronavirus in the body.
Do not take heed. Consuming or injecting disinfectant or bleach will not remove viruses in the body.
Whilst they do have strong oxidising agents that can kill bacteria and viruses that are deposited on surfaces, it doesn’t mean they’re safe for ingestion. In fact, the same agents that kill these viruses will cause severe tissue burns and blood vessel damage.
This can also be said for alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption poses health risks and drinking isopropyl alcohol, methanol, n-proponol or ethanol can result in severe health consequences and can even lead to death.
Bleach and alcohol are strictly used to disinfect the skin and surfaces. Do note that disinfectants should have at least 60% alcohol to kill most viruses. In fact, opt for 70% isopropyl alcohol as opposed to 99% isopropyl alcohol as the former is able to denature the virus’s protein by dissolving their lipids. In comparison, 99% isopropyl alcohol evaporates too quickly to penetrate the cell walls and kill the bacteria.
That said, soap and warm water still remain as the best strategy.
Myth 4: Disinfect your groceries
In hopes to stay safe, you may want to disinfect anything and everything, including your groceries. However, there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with the transmission of COVID19.
When it comes to food and viruses, only foodborne gastrointestinal (GI) viruses like hepatitis A and norovirus, can make you feel sick. Since COVID19 is a respiratory virus, you don’t need to worry about contracting the virus from foods.
Instead, you’re more likely to contract the virus from the shoppers compared to the foods.
Thus, ensure that you maintain social distancing and wash your hands thoroughly before you handle any food.
Conclusion
As we figure out how to best navigate through the entire pandemic, remember to always keep abreast of any updates on the virus. This also includes the safety precautions, lest you harm yourself all because of an uninformed decision.
To do our part, we are abiding by the circuit breaker safety measures and have temporarily ceased our operations.
The government has announced that we’d be able to exit the Circuit Breaker measure slowly, but unfortunately, we are still unable to resume operations as we require to be in close proximity with our clients.
We are excited to offer you laser treatment for hair removal once we resume business operations. In the meantime, you may want to consider our Home Edition that allows you to remove unwanted hair all from the comfort of your home!