To dispel some of the myths about the virus, the World Health Organisation or WHO, in its website, has issued a range of advice and information on the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), which it has already declared a global health emergency.
IS IT SAFE TO RECEIVE A LETTER OR A PACKAGE FROM CHINA?
CAN PETS AT HOME SPREAD THE NEW CORONAVIRUS?
DO VACCINES AGAINST PNEUMONIA PROTECT YOU AGAINST THE NEW CORONAVIRUS?
The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine against 2019-nCoV, and WHO is supporting their efforts.
Although these vaccines are not effective against 2019-nCoV, vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect your health.
CAN REGULARLY RINSING YOUR NOSE WITH SALINE HELP PREVENT INFECTION WITH THE NEW CORONAVIRUS?
There is some limited evidence that regularly rinsing nose with saline can help people recover more quickly from the common cold. However, regularly rinsing the nose has not been shown to prevent respiratory infections.
CAN GARGLING MOUTHWASH PROTECT YOU FROM INFECTION WITH THE NEW CORONAVIRUS?
Some brands or mouthwash can eliminate certain microbes for a few minutes in the saliva in your mouth. However, this does not mean they protect you from 2019-nCoV infection.
CAN EATING GARLIC HELP PREVENT INFECTION WITH THE NEW CORONAVIRUS?
DOES PUTTING ON SESAME OIL BLOCK THE NEW CORONAVIRUS FROM ENTERING THE BODY?
However, they have little or no impact on the virus if you put them on the skin or under your nose. It can even be dangerous to put these chemicals on your skin.
DOES THE NEW CORONAVIRUS AFFECT OLDER PEOPLE, OR ARE YOUNGER PEOPLE ALSO SUSCEPTIBLE?
WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.
ARE ANTIBIOTICS EFFECTIVE IN PREVENTING AND TREATING THE NEW CORONAVIRUS?
The new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment.
However, if you are hospitalised for the 2019-nCoV, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC MEDICINES TO PREVENT THE NEW CORONAVIRUS?
However, those infected with the virus should receive appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms, and those with severe illness should receive optimized supportive care. Some specific treatments are under investigation, and will be tested through clinical trials. WHO is helping to accelerate research and development efforts with a range or partners.