Read the facts, not the fiction! COVID-19 Myth Buster

It is important during this crisis to be aware of fake news that is published online. Make sure you only rely on credited sources for your information about COVID-19:

The NHS 

Public Health England  

World Health Organisation 


There are lots of worries and concerns about Covid-19 which has led a lot of people to claim that you can prevent spreading or contracting the virus through various methods, the majority of which are false. We have checked out some of these false claims and have provided the accurate information below. Remember, to find out more about Covid-19 or if you have any concerns visit the NHS website, Public Health England or WHO.
All of the information provided here has been taken from the NHS, Public Health England and WHO on the 28 April 2020.

Do 5G Networks spread COVID-19?

Viruses cannot travel on radio waves or mobile networks and it is spreading in lots of countries that do not have 5G Networks.

Can my pet give me COVID-19? 

No, you cannot get COVID-19 from your pet.

Does heat prevent you from getting COVID-19? 

Coronavirus can be transmitted in all areas, including areas with hot weather. The climate does not prevent you from contracting the virus.

Sipping hot water, taking a hot bath or sitting in the sun will not stop you from getting the virus. The best way to protect yourself against Covid-19 is by frequently cleaning your hands and avoiding touching your face while you are out of the house.

Does cold weather kill the virus? 

Similarly, there is no evidence to suggest that cold weather can kill the virus. The most effective way to protect yourself, as noted above is to wash your hands with soap and avoid touching your face.

Does holding your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing mean you are free from COVID-19? 

No. The most common symptoms of Covid-19 are a dry cough, tiredness and a fever. However, holding your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing will not confirm if you do or do not have the virus. The only way you can be sure you do not have the virus is with a laboratory test.

Does drinking alcohol protect you against COVID-19? 

I think this might be a bit more of wishful thinking…. But no unfortunately alcohol consumption has no effect on whether you will contract the virus or not. Frequent or excessive alcohol consumption is also bad for your health and can increase your risk of serious health problems.

Is it true that COVID-19 can be transmitted through mosquito bites? 

There is no evidence to suggest that the coronavirus can be transmitted in this way. It is a respiratory virus and spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. To protect yourself wash your hands frequently with soap and avoid close contact with others.

Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill COVID-19? 

No. Spraying alcohol or chlorine over your body will not kill the virus if it has already entered your body. These substances can be very harmful to the body so avoid getting them on the skin. They can be used to clean worksurfaces but must be used carefully.

Will regularly rinsing your nose with saline prevent you from getting the virus? 

No. There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from infection with Coronavirus. 

Can eating garlic help to prevent you from contracting COVID-19? 

No. Although garlic is very healthy and does contain some antimicrobial properties, there is no evidence that they will prevent you from contracting Coronavirus.

Does COVID-19 only affect old people? 

No. People of all ages are susceptible to Covid-19. However, older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions do appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill when contracting the virus.

To prevent the spread of the virus, make sure you take the necessary steps (i.e. wash your hands frequently and avoid contact with others) to protect yourself and others. 

Do antibiotics prevent and treat COVID-19? 

No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. Covid-19 is a virus and so antibiotics will not work as a means of prevention or treatment.

What about paracetamol, Vitamin C or Zinc? 

Paracetamol, Vitamin C and Zinc will not prevent you from catching Coronavirus. There is not currently any medication that will prevent or treat Coronavirus. 

Although vitamin C is good for your immune system, there is no evidence that it will stop you from catching the virus.



We understand that this is an uncertain time for all, and you may have lots of concerns. If you need advice or want to find out more information, make sure to avoid sources of information that are unreliable, and instead check trusted sources such as The World Health Organisation,  Public Health England and the NHS.