SOME COVID-19 MYTHS DEBUNKED

It is not all myths that are nonsensical. Some can have benefits as long as they are understood.

It is a myth to assume that a hot brew of lime cures COVID-19. Limes, lemons and lemon grass are high in Vitamin C. While it is true that Vitamin C has antioxidant properties which can boost our immunity, it will not cure COVID-19. High doses of vitamin c will modulate our immune response. Although Vitamin C occurs naturally in these fruits and in the lemon grass, it is a water-soluble vitamin and excess consumption can lead to compromised kidneys and sensitive teeth.

Another popular myth is that the disease does not affect Black people. As we may have seen, the disease has killed Blacks in Africa and outside Africa. However, a review of literature has shown that Vitamin D has an effect on the immune system. People in Africa are naturally exposed to the sun which is a source of Vitamin D. Studies have shown that there was a higher fatality in European countries that were experiencing winter than countries that were experiencing summer in Australia. While populations in both summery and wintry climates experienced morbidity and fatalities, those in the summery season experienced less fatality and morbidity.

A third myth is that steam inhalation will kill the virus. Steam inhalation can cause burns. In the early days of the infection before the virus finally settles inside the lungs, it must have been on the hands or finger tips before being transmitted through the respiratory system. When the virus is on the hands, washing the hands with a lathery soap under running water for 30 seconds will dissolve the lipid envelope of the virus thus rendering it "dead". The water used to wash the hands can be at any temperature. Steam inhalation will not kill the virus but washing your hands with soap and water will.