An alcohol-based sanitizer does not create antibiotic resistance. Unlike other antisepctics and antibiotics, pathogens (harmful germs) do not seem to develop resistance to alcohol-based sanitizers.
• Alcohol-based sanitizers are safe for everyone to use.
Alcohols in the sanitizers have not been shown to create any relevant health issues. Little alcohol is absorbed into the skin and most products contain an emollient to reduce skin dryness. Allergic contact dermatitis and bleaching of hand hair due to alcohol are very rare adverse effects. Accidental swallowing and intoxication have been described in rare cases.
• Alcohol-based sanitizers can be used in religions where alcohol is prohibited.
Any manufactured substance developed to alleviate illness or contribute to better health is permitted by the Qur'an, including alcohol used as a medical agent.
• It is safer to frequently clean your hands and not wear gloves.
Wearing gloves risks transferring germs from one surface to another and contaminating your hands when removing them. Wearing gloves does not replace cleaning hands. Health workers wear gloves only for specific tasks.
• Touching a communal bottle of alcohol-based sanitizer will not infect you.
Once you have sanitized your hands, you've disinfected them from any germs that may have been on the bottle. If everyone uses sanitizer in a public place such as supermarket entrance, the risk of germs on communal items will be lower and will help keep everyone safe.
• An alcohol-based handrub is listed as W.H.O. essential medicine.
Clean hands protect patients, health workers, other caregivers and everyone from infection. Cleaning your hands is one of the key measures to prevent disease.
• The amount of alcohol-based sanitizer you used matters.
Apply a palmful of alcohol-based sanitizer to cover all surfaces of your hands. Rub your hands together using the right technique until they are dry. The entire procedure should last 20-30 seconds.
• Clinical trials confirm that hydroxychloroquine does not prevent illness or death from Covid-19.
Hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine, a common treatment for malaria and certain autoimmune diseases, has been studied as a preventative treatment for COVID-19. Evidence from these studies shows that hydroxychloroquine has little to no impact on illness, hospitalization, or death.
• Vitamin and mineral supplements cannot cure Covid-19.
Micronutrients, such as vitamins D and C and zinc are critical for a well-functioning immune system and play a vital role in promoting health and nutritional well-being. There is currently no guidance on the use of micronutrient supplements as a treatment of COVID-19. W.H.O. is coordinating efforts to develop and evaluate medicines to treat COVID-19.
• Studies show hydroxychloroquine does not have clinical benefits in treating Covid-19
Hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine, a treatment for malaria, lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis, has been under study as a possible treatment for COVID-19. Current data shows that this drug does not reduce deaths among hospitalised COVID-19 patients, nor help people with moderate disease.* The use of hydoxychloroquine and chloroquine is accepted as generally safe for patients with malaria and autoimmune diseases, but its use where not indicated and without medical supervision can cause serious side effects and should be avoided.
* More decisive research is needed to assess its value in patients with mild disease or as pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis in patients exposed to COVID-19.
• Is dexamethasone a treatment for all COVID-19 patients?
Dexamethasone should be reserved for patients who need it most. It should not be stockpiled. It provided no improvement for patients with mild symptoms. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid used for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. For some COVID-19 patients on ventilators, a daily 6 mg dose of dexamethasone for 10 days improved their health
• People should NOT wear masks while exercising.
People should NOT wear masks when exercising, as masks may reduce the ability to breathe comfortably. Sweat can make the mask become wet more quickly which makes it difficult to breathe and promotes the growth of microorganisms. The important preventive measure during exercise is to maintain physical distance of at least one meter from others.
• Water or swimming does not transmit the COVID-19 virus.
The COVID-19 virus does not transmit through water while swimming. However, the virus spreads between people when someone has close contact with an infected person.
• The likelihood of shoes spreading COVID-19 is very low.
The likelihood of COVID-19 being spread on shoes and infecting individuals is very low. As a precautionary measure, particularly in homes where infants and small children crawl or play on floors, consider leaving your shoes at the entrance of your home. This will help prevent contact with dirt or any waste that could be carried on the soles of shoes.
• The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a virus, NOT by bacteria.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is in a family of viruses called Coronaviridae. Antibiotics do not work against viruses. Some people who become ill with COVID-19 can also develop a bacterial infection as a complication. In this case, antibiotics may be recommended by a health care provider. There is currently no licensed medication to cure COVID-19. If you have symptoms, call your health care provider or COVID-19 hotline for assistance.
• The prolonged use of medical masks* when properly worn, DOES NOT cause CO2 intoxication nor oxygen deficiency.
The prolonged use of medical masks can be uncomfortable. However, it does not lead to CO2 intoxication nor oxygen deficiency. While wearing a medical mask, make sure it fits properly and that it is tight enough to allow you to breathe normally. Do not re-use a disposable mask and always change it as soon as it gets damp.
* Medical masks (also known as surgical masks) are flat or pleated; they are affixed to the head with straps or have ear loops.
• Most people who get COVID-19 recover from it.
Most people who get COVID-19 have mild or moderate symptoms and can recover thanks to supportive care. If you have a cough, fever and difficulty breathing seek medical care early - call your health facility by telephone first. If you have fever and live in an area with malaria or dengue seek medical care immediately.
• Drinking alcohol does not protect you against COVID-19 and can be dangerous.
The harmful use of alcohol increases your risk of health problems.
UJWAL LAMSAL
