The Sunday Mail
Society Reporter
IN an age that is largely dominated by social media, disinformation has generally fed to some myths around coronavirus — a pandemic that is currently infecting and affecting people across the globe. The influx of news has given birth to several myths regarding the virus. Zimbabweans, just like the rest of the world, are seized with debunking false information.
Below, we look at some of the myths regarding the coronavirus also known as Covid-19.
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Myth: Lemons, ginger, orange prevent the spread of the virus
The origins of this misleading myth are not known. What is known, however, is the fact Zimbabweans are scrambling for lemons after rumours to the effect that they can prevent Covid-19 by consuming these and other citrus fruits. As a result, demand, particularly for lemons, has risen astronomically, in the past days. The fruit has resultantly become scarce.
But, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “there is no scientific evidence that lemon or ginger prevents Covid-19”. WHO only recommends consuming adequate fruit and vegetables as part of a healthy diet.
Myth: Kids cannot contract the Covid-19
Since the majority of the people who are being infected by the virus are adults, there is a general belief that children cannot be affected by Covid-19. According to research, there have been fewer cases in children compared to adults. A Chinese study from Hubei province released in February found that of more than 44 000 cases of Covid-19, a small figure of about 2,2 percent involved children under 19. However, more recent studies suggest children are as likely as adults to become infected. In a study reported this year on March 5, researchers analysed data from more than 1 500 people in Shenzhen and found that children potentially exposed to the virus were just as likely to become infected as adults were.
Myth: the virus is for the rich people
Many people think that since the virus started in China, it is those that frequently travel abroad that will get infected. It is now known that even the poor can get the coronavirus. Other myths that have been debunked by our first Covid-19 death – young broadcaster Zororo Makamba – and new infections include assumptions that the virus does not affect black people and cannot withstand hot weather conditions.
Myth: Vitamin C supplements will stop you from catching Covid-19
Researchers are yet to find any evidence that Vitamin C supplements can render people immune to Covid-19 infection. Fraudsters are creating numerous products that are being advertised as being capable of treating or preventing the disease. WHO points out there is no cure for the virus but just remedy for accompanying symptoms. The United States, through the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), has so far issued warning letters to seven companies for selling fraudulent products that promise to cure, treat or prevent the viral infection.
Myth: Getting coronavirus is a death sentence
That is not true. Statistics from Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention highlight that 81 percent of people who are infected with Covid-19 have not died. By the time of going to print, world coronavirus cases stood at 499 125, with deaths and recovery cases pegged at 22 309 and 121 194, respectively, according to the worldometer statistics.
