Busting corona myths with top doctor

With new information emerging every day about the coronavirus, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction.

In an effort to clarify some possible misconceptions, KvF TV news programme Dagur og Vika asked viewers to submit questions about the virus.

Below, the Chief Medical Officer answers some of these questions in a question and answer (Q&A) format:

Q: Can Ebola or malaria medication cure the Covid-19 disease?

A: There is currently no conclusive proof that it can. But there is ongoing research into these medications and others.

Q: Is it true that there are two different strains of the coronavirus?

A: There may be more than two. As with the malaria drug and most other issues relating to this new virus, researchers are looking into this as we speak.

Q: Assuming there is more than one strain of the coronavirus, if a person has been infected by one strain, is it possible to be infected by another strain at a later time?

A: It is unlikely. But if it is a seasonal virus like the flu, it would be possible. But again, it is too early to draw any firm conclusions.

Q: As the weather is getting warmer, will the heat kill the virus?

A: This is possible. We often see flu epidemics dying off toward the summer.

Q: Is it true that people with blood type A may be more susceptible to the virus?

A: That seems highly unlikely.

Q: Are diabetics more vulnerable to the coronavirus?

A: Diabetics are no more likely to catch the virus than other people, but it has been documented that they are more likely to develop serious complications due to the virus.

Q: Can a corona test be a false negative and cause a false sense of security in people?

A: Absolutely yes. A person who has not developed any symptoms is unlikely test positive for Covid-19.

Q: Is it true that corona medication will be introduced soon?

A: Medications that have been approved for the treatment of other diseases are currently being tested on Covid-19 patients. If these drugs prove effective, then yes, we have some. New drugs developed specifically for Covid-19 will take much longer to make.

Q: How about a vaccine?

A: Vaccines target specific viruses, so an entirely new vaccine will need to be created, and that takes time.

Q: Is it possible to make your own hand sanitiser?

A: Yes. There is a recipe on the WHO website. Just google 'hand sanitizer recipe'

Q: Is it true that people who have tested positive but have no symptoms can pass on the virus to others?

A: Yes. When we track the spread of the infection, we look back 48 hours before the first symptoms arise, which is believed to be the point at which transmission is possible.

Q: Can children play together?

A: Yes, in very small groups.

Q: Is it true that if you can hold your breath for more than ten seconds without coughing or feeling any discomfort, you have not been infected.

A: That’s false.

For more about the coronavirus, visit corona.fo

Translated by prosa.fo