Coronavirus Remedies that Don’t Work and Can be Harmful
Covid-19, also known as the Coronavirus, has been making headlines in recent times. The virus has spread rapidly in different parts of Asia, and the UK, and the USA. But rumors are spreading through social media over the treatment of coronavirus patients.
We find a series of remedies for Coronavirus while browsing internet and social networks. We should know proper information about Coronavirus. We also find various sources of remedies to prevent the symptoms of the virus.
However, there are many solutions but have no scientific evidence. Why should we avoid them?
We are going through a period of anxiety and uncertainty due to the pandemic. We cannot lose common sense and take desperate measures. In fact, the National Center for Complementary and Comprehensive Health (NIH) warns of the risks of using alternative remedies. The NIH points out that many are not safe for consumption.
Remedies for coronavirus
Nowadays, scientists are conducting research to evaluate various therapies and vaccines to prevent the virus. However, there is no conclusive evidence that may be effective.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved any drug, except anti-viral medicine Remdesivir, as a possible treatment against this disease.
On May 1, the FDA started the emergency use of Remdesivir for potential treatment. Therefore, the remedies found in the internet are nothing but jokes. It is essential to be careful.
Here we will explain details about the most common false remedies.
To drink alcohol
No alcoholic beverages can kill the coronavirus. World Health Organization (WHO) warns that drinking alcohol is dangerous. More than 200 people in different countries including Iran died from industrial alcohol poisoning. About 20 people lost their lives on similar ground. Some 17 died in Peru after the consumption of adulterated alcohol as a protection measure against Covid-19.
Hot baths
Many believe that high heat could kill the SARS Coronavirus. Taking a bath with hot water to eliminate the virus is one of the false remedies. There is no evidence of taking the method. But it can lead to serious problems such as burns to the skin.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), our body maintains a temperature between 36.5° C and 37° C even after taking the showers. So, a bath with hot water cannot prevent the Covid-19 virus. Washing hands is the most recommended preventive measure.
Sunbathe
Some people think sun exposure can eliminate the virus. But WHO denied it saying many countries with hot weather have also reported cases of the Covid-19.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explain excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays is harmful to health. It can increase the risk of skin cancer.
Consuming excess water
Many consume that water every 15 minutes as a remedy of Coronavirus so that the throat does not dry out.
Drinking water is important for health but drinking too much water is not good for health. Neither WHO nor the health authorities consider this to prevent the disease.
Herbal teas
Many herbal teas with ginger and lemon have gained popularity as a remedy of the coronavirus. However, there is no scientific evidence in this regard. No circumstances can immunize against the virus. This type of remedy has been studied in the past against flu symptoms. But it is currently unknown how they work for the Covid-19 cases.
Are there more so-called remedies for Coronavirus?
Yes. False information on Coronavirus remedies surfaced the internet. We should look for reliable sources of information. Many of the proposed “miracle” solutions are really dangerous to health.
The others include:
- Drink colloidal silver (it is made up of silver nanoparticles).
- Consume cocaine or other dangerous drugs.
- Drink a little bleach diluted in water.
- Disinfect your hands with ultraviolet lamps.
- Spray alcohol or chlorine on the body to kill the virus (a measure quite damaging to the skin).
It is the best solution to follow the guidelines of the health authorities. We should wash hands frequently, maintain social distancing, take rest and pain relievers (such as acetaminophen), and seek medical attention.
Bibliographic References:
- World Health Organization (WHO). (April 10, 2020). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters. Available from https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters
- Information and resources from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2020). In the News: Coronavirus and “Alternative” Treatments. US National Institutes of Health (NIH). Available from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/in-the-news-coronavirus-and-alternative-treatments
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (June 1, 2018). Sun Exposure. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Available from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/sunexposure/default.html
Lee, J.-Y., Abundo, MEC, & Lee, C.-W. (2018). Herbal Medicines with Antiviral Activity Against the Influenza Virus, a Systematic Review. The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, Vol. 46, No. 08, pp. 1663-1700 (2018). Available from https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S0192415X18500854
