Apr 28, 2020

Sesame oil, garlic, hot water... Beware of misinformation about coronavirus



Around the coronavirus, the fake news ball continues. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently recalled that most "natural remedies" are useless against Covid-19.

The Covid-19 coronavirus continues to spread throughout the world... and, in its wake, a lot of fake news blooms in its wake!

Often ridiculous, these "false news" (taking cocaine so as not to get sick, for example...) could, however, encourage the spread of the virus by overshadowing official recommendations.


To fight against fake news, the World Health Organization (WHO) has set up a complete information point online. In particular, "natural" remedies to prevent coronavirus infection, which are (at best) useless, (at worst) harmful to health, are targeted. The Ministry of Health also distributes "DESINFOX" computer graphics. A selection...

SESAME OIL, SEAWATER AND GARLIC DO NOT PROTECT AGAINST CORONAVIRUS.
No, rinsing your nose regularly with sea water (or a hyper- or isotonic saline solution) does not protect you from the virus. However, WHO notes that "there is some evidence that this practice can help people recover more quickly from a common cold".


No, eating garlic is not an effective way to avoid Covid-19 contamination despite its "antimicrobial properties" recognized by WHO.

No, cleaning your bathroom, toilet, door handles or electronic devices with sesame oil (!) is not a good reflex against coronavirus. WHO explains that "there are chemical disinfectants that can kill Covid-19 on surfaces. These include disinfectants based on bleach or chlorine".

No, spraying the body with "natural" alcohol-based substances is not a good idea: "spraying these substances can be harmful to clothing or mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth)" stresses the WHO, which recommends starting by "frequently cleaning your hands with a hydroalcoholic product - such as a gel - or with soap and water".

No, hand sanitizing gel does not cause cancer. No neurotoxic or carcinogenic risk has been identified following exposure to ethanol contained in hydro-alcoholic products, recalls the Ministry of Health.

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