The World Health Organisation experts have urged the public to be mindful of where they get information in relation to facts about Covid-19.
Most are circulated in good faith listing advice from so-called experts but the barrage of tweets, texts and emails offer few facts.
Amongst the most common myths being spread around the globe is the advice to drink water at least every 15 minutes so if the virus enters your mouth the liquid will wash it into the stomach where acids will kill it. Not true.
Regularly rinsing your nose with saline is another “tip” being circulated to help prevent infection along with eating garlic. Again not true.
And there are lots of variations of false advice on to use heat to kill the virus including using hairdryers and drinking hot water. None of these are true.
Experts are also warning against using homemade hand sanitisers. Alcohol content must be at least 60% and getting the ratio of components correct can be difficult.
Many are more suitable for cleaning surfaces and could be harmful to your skin.
It says cold weather and snow will not kill the virus.
And on the other extreme taking a hot bath won’t prevent it either.
It cannot be transmitted through goods manufactured in China or any country reporting COVID-19 cases.
And the WHO says it cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites.
Another fact is washing hands does help prevent the spread.
A full list of myth busters are available on the WHO site
