Doctors: How to truly celebrate them?

COVID-19 pandemic has taken a significant toll on people all across the globe. In the time of this grave health crisis, doctors are working on the frontlines and rendering invaluable service to the nation. While most of us have the option of working safely from the confines of our homes, these medical professionals are putting their lives at risk and standing ground to save as many lives as possible. Their selfless determination is deserving of our respect, not only in spirit but also in our actions. In this challenging battle against COVID-19, let us do our bit—wear masks all the time, sanitise our hands, maintain social distancing, get vaccinated, but most importantly and fundamentally, keep ourselves updated with facts and away from rumours.

1.      Myth: One cannot contract COVID19 after vaccination

Fact: Vaccination is crucial to prevent COVID-19. Vaccine will not allow the virus to further replicate and it will not allow the disease to become severe. However, during that time, your RT-PCR test can be positive and you may infect others. So, it is important to follow COVIDappropriate behaviour (wearing masks, regularly washing hands, maintain social distancing) even after vaccination. It must be noted that only 0.03-0.04% of the people have contracted COVID-19 after vaccination and even then, they have had mild symptoms.

2.      Myth: Prolonged usage of masks leads to intoxication of CO2 and oxygen deficiency in the body.

Fact: This claim is fake. Wearing mask is essential in preventing oneself from getting infected.

3.      Myth: Smokers and vegetarians are less prone to COVID-19.

Fact: Presently, no conclusion can be drawn based on the serological studies that vegetarian diet and smoking may protect one from COVID-19.

4.      Myth: 5G mobile networks help spread COVID-19.

Fact: Viruses cannot travel on radio waves/mobile networks. COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. People can also be infected by touching a contaminated surface and then their eyes, mouth or nose. Mobile towers emit non-ionizing radio frequencies having very minuscule power and are incapable of causing any kind of damage to living cells including human beings. Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has prescribed norms for exposure limit for the Radio Frequency Field (i.e., Base Station Emissions) which are 10 times more stringent than the safe limits prescribed by International Commission on NonIonizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and recommended by WHO. COVID-19 cases have been reported in countries that do not have 5G

5.      Myth: Coronavirus cannot spread in hot and humid climates.

Fact: One can contract COVID-19, no matter how hot or humid the climate is. Countries with hot weather have reported cases of COVID-19. To protect yourself, make sure you clean your hands frequently and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.

6.      Myth: Climate change and rain can slowdown the pace of infection.

Fact: The spread of coronavirus can be reduced only by following COVIDappropriate behaviour.

7.      Myth: Regularly rinsing your nose with saline helps prevent coronavirus infection.

Fact: There is no evidence that the said method has protected people from getting infected

8.      Myth: Eating garlic prevents COVID19.

Fact: Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from the novel coronavirus.

9.      Myth: Consuming betel leaves can help prevent COVID-19 and can cure an infected person too

Fact: This claim is false. Coronavirus spread can be checked only by following COVID-appropriate behavior.

10.  Myth: Hospitalisation is necessary after testing positive for coronavirus.

Fact: Hospitalisation is not required in all cases. Asymptomatic and mild cases can be managed at home.

11.  Myth: Remdesivir is a life-saving drug for COVID-19

Fact: Remdesivir is an experimental drug for people who are moderately sick and are receiving oxygen. Studies do not show mortality reduction with Remdesivir. It must not to be used for patients who are not on oxygen support or in home settings.

12.  Myth: COVID-19 vaccine can cause infertility in both men and women.

Fact: There is no scientific proof that the vaccine can cause infertility. It is completely safe.

13.  Myth: People with one or more comorbidities should not get vaccinated.

Fact: People with comorbidities fall in the high-risk category and must get vaccinated. The vaccine is safe and effective in adults with comorbidity.

14.  Myth: If one has COVID-19, they need not get vaccinated.

Fact: It is advisable to receive the complete schedule of the vaccine irrespective of past history of infection. One must get vaccinated three months after recovery from COVID-19.

15.  Myth: Women should not take the vaccine five days before and after their menstrual cycle.

Fact: Experts have rubbished the claim and said that periods have no effect on the vaccine.

16.  Myth: Antibodies develop right after getting vaccinated.

Fact: Protective level of antibodies generally develops two weeks after receiving the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

17.  Myth: A person will remain protected only for six months after the vaccination.

Fact: Longevity of the immune response in vaccinated individuals is yet to determined. Therefore, continuing the use of mask and sanitiser is strongly recommended.

18.  Myth: Anaesthetics can be lifethreatening for COVID-19 vaccinated people.

Fact: There is no scientific evidence till date to confirm the claim. 19. Myth: COVID-19 vaccines can make people magnetic.

19.  Myth: COVID-19 vaccines can make people magnetic.

Fact: COVID-19 vaccines do not make people magnetic. They do not contain may metal-based ingredients and are completely safe. Vaccines cannot cause a magnetic reaction in human body.

20.  Myth: COVID-19-vaccinated arm generates electricity.

Fact: The COVID-19 vaccine does not cause the body to produce electric current.

21.  Myth: Only one dose of COVISHIELD is sufficient.

Fact: In India, the COVISHIELD vaccination schedule consists of two doses. After 12 weeks of the first dose, it is necessary to take the second shot.

22.  Myth: COVAXIN is not as safe as COVISHIELD vaccine.

Fact: Both COVISHIELD and COVAXIN were launched after multiple tests and trials. Both the vaccines are safe. The Hon’ble Prime Minister took the first dose of COVAXIN in March this year.

23.  Myth: The final vaccine product of COVAXIN contains new-born calf serum.

Fact: New-born calf serum is used only for preparation/growth of Vero cells. Different kinds of bovine and other animal serum are standard enrichment ingredient used globally for Vero cell growth. Vero cells are used to establish cell lines which help in production of vaccines. This technique has been used for decades in Polio, Rabies, and Influenza vaccines. These Vero cells, after the growth, are washed with water and chemicals (also technically known as buffer) several times to make it free from the newborn calf serum. Thereafter, these Vero cells are infected with corona virus for viral growth. The Vero cells are completely destroyed in the process of viral growth. Thereafter, this grown virus is also killed (inactivated) and purified. This killed virus is then used to make the final vaccine, and in the final vaccine formulation no calf serum is used.

24.  Myth: Mucormycosis (Black Fungus) can be treated with alum, turmeric, rock salt and mustard oil.

Fact: This claim is false. There is no scientific evidence to treat black fungus with this remedy. Please do not rely only on home remedies to treat any such serious health problem.

As India celebrates National Doctor’s Day in July, let us to thank doctors and physicians for their relentless service to the humanity. Let us join this battle by combating the misinformation with awareness. Let us be mindful of our actions and behaviour and take a pledge to help them help us.

(EN Team)