Should I avoid shaking hands because of the new coronavirus?
Yes. Respiratory viruses can be passed by shaking hands and touching your eyes, nose and mouth. It is safest to avoid physical contact when greeting.
Greet people with a wave, a nod or a bow instead.
Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the new coronavirus?
No. Spraying alcohol or chroine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body.
Spraing such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes (i.e., eyes, mouth).
Be ware that both alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations.
COVID-19 can be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates
The COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in any climate, including areas with hot and humid weather.
The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by maintaining physical distance of at least 1 metre from others and frequently cleaning your hands. By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth and nose.
Are hand dryers effective in killing the new coronavirus?
No. Hand dryers are not effective in killing the 2019-nCoV. To protect yourself against the new coronavirus, you should frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Once your hands are cleaned, you should dry them thoroughly by using paper towels or a warm air dryer.
Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus?
No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria.
The new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment.
However, if you are hospitalized for the 2019-nCoV, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.
Ultra-violet (UV) lamps should not be used to disinfect hands or other areas of your skin
UV radiation can cause skin irritation and damage your eyes.
Cleaning your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or washing your hands with soap and water are the most effective ways to remove the virus.
The new coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites
To date there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes. The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Also, avoid close contact with anyone who is coughing and sneezing.
