The new coronavirus, which appeared in China's Wuhan province, has caused a stir around the world. The death toll has now reached 490, while the confirmed cases have exceeded 24.000.
Some countries have suspended flights to and from China as companies close their offices in the world's most populous country. Information about the new coronavirus gives and takes, as do conspiracy theories, rumors, myths and truths. According to official announcements, there are some things that everyone should know about the new coronavirus, 2019-nCoV, in order not to create misconceptions.
Coronaviruses are not "new"
2019-nCoV is called the new coronavirus for a specific reason. This is because he may be "young" but coronaviruses in general have been around for several years. One of them was SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) which broke out in China and cost the lives of a total of 774 people in the two years 2002-2003, and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), which broke out in 2012 in the Middle East and caused deaths at 858 people, according to the World Health Organization.
Coronavirus only affects older people
Coronavirus can affect people of all ages. The difference is that older people, especially those with health problems, are more likely to get seriously ill. Otherwise, everyone can get the virus and everyone should take the necessary measures.
Antibiotics can fight the virus
This is a common mistake that has been heard again. Antibiotics can not fight viruses, but only bacteria. If someone is being treated for a coronavirus, they may be given antibiotics, but to treat a concomitant bacterial infection.
Garlic can interfere with its transmission
Garlic is a healthy food with antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence that eating garlic will be able to protect oneself from 2019 - nCoV.
Pets can transmit the virus
There is currently no evidence that animals can transmit the virus. Of course, it is recommended that you wash your hands thoroughly after contact with any pet.
Coronavirus can be transported in parcels from China
According to studies, coronaviruses survive only for a few hours on surfaces and outside their host, so the chance of transmission through objects is minimal.
If you are infected with the coronavirus you will die
The mortality rate of the new coronavirus reaches 2,1%. 80% of the people who lost their lives were over 60 years old, while a large percentage of them suffered from pre-existing health problems, such as diabetes and hypertension. The SARS mortality rate was about 9,6%, while that of MERS was close to 30%, according to Wikipedia.
Coronavirus is the most dangerous virus at the moment
The coronavirus may have a higher mortality rate, but according to the World Health Organization, there are 5 million serious cases of the flu virus each year in the world, with 650.000 deaths.
Information: who.int, truthout.org, gulfnews.com, mercurynews.com, wikipedia.org