Questions and answers from the World Health Organization (WHO) on the coronavirus 2019-nCoV

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns! A large proportion of people can no longer distinguish between myths and facts surrounding the new coronavirus (Coronavirus 2019-nCoV). For this reason, the WHO started an information campaign. People often ask whether pets can spread the new coronavirus. The WHO itself writes that there is no evidence that pets such as dogs and cats are infected with the coronavirus from China. What the WHO advises, however, is to wash your hands after touching a pet.

Here are the most important facts:

Are there any special medications to prevent or treat the new coronavirus?

To date, there is no specific medication recommended to prevent or treat the virus. In any case, people infected with the virus should receive appropriate treatment to relieve and treat the symptoms. People with more severe disease should receive supportive treatment that is optimized for this. Some specific treatments are currently being studied and tested in clinical trials. WHO is helping to accelerate research and development efforts with a range of partners.

Can pets spread the new coronavirus at home?

There is currently no evidence that pets such as dogs and cats can be infected with the virus. However, it is always advisable to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets. This protects you from various common bacteria such as E.coli and Salmonella that can be transmitted between pets and people.

Are only older people infected with the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV), or are younger people also susceptible?

People of all ages can be infected with the virus. Older and sick people appear to be more susceptible to serious viral diseases. The WHO advises people of all ages to take measures to protect themselves from the virus, such as maintaining optimal hand and respiratory hygiene.

Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus?

No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. The 2019-nC0V is a virus and therefore antibiotics should not be used for prevention or treatment. However, if you are hospitalized for 2019-nCoV, you may be given antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.

Do vaccines against pneumonia also protect against the new coronavirus?

No. Pneumonia vaccines such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (HIB) vaccine do not provide protection 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 diseases is strongly recommended to protect your health.

Is it safe to receive a letter or package from China?

Yes, it's safe. People who receive packages from China are not at risk of becoming infected with 2019-nCoV. Analyzes have shown that coronaviruses do not survive for long on objects such as letters or packages.

Does applying sesame oil block 2019-nCoV from entering the body?

No. Sesame oil does not kill the new coronavirus. There are some chemical disinfectants that can kill the 2019-nCoV on surfaces. These include bleach/chlorine based disinfectants, ether solvents, 75% ethanol, peracetic acid and chloroform. However, they have little or no effect on the virus when applied to the skin or under the nose. It can even be dangerous to treat your skin with these chemicals.

Can smoke and gas from fireworks prevent 2019-nCoV?

No. Inhaling smoke and gas from fireworks is dangerous but does not kill the new coronavirus. The smoke from fireworks and fireworks contains sulfur dioxide, a mildly toxic gas that some people are allergic to. It can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and lungs and even cause an asthma attack. There is also a risk of burns if you are near fireworks where you can inhale the smoke.

Can eating garlic help prevent infection with 2019-nCoV?

Garlic is a healthy food with possible antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence that eating garlic has protected people from the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV.

Can regularly rinsing your nose with saline help prevent infection with 2019-nCoV?

No. There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with the new coronavirus. There is little evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline can help people recover more quickly from a cold. It has not yet been shown that regular rinsing generally prevents respiratory infections.
Sources: WHO, as of: February 4, 2020
Article image: Shutterstock / By Liliia Fasikova

Related to the topic: All fact checks on the topic of Coronavirus 2019 nCoV can be found here!

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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )