Coronavirus scare: Avoid quacks, spiritual healers, docs caution people

Srinagar: Experts have debunked certain false claims regarding the novel coronavirus after rumor mills were agog with misinformation about the infection.
A senior doctor at SMHS said there are several misconceptions about the coronavirus that is causing panic and unnecessary fear among the valleyites.
“The most common notion is that people who get the coronavirus will die when in reality the death rate for the virus is around two percent,” he said.
He noted that the disease can be fatal but those cases are rare.
“For those with a weakened immune system, the elderly and very young, there is a chance that the virus could cause serious, respiratory tract illness like pneumonia or bronchitis,” the doctor explained.
Epidemiologist, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, Kashmir, Dr Manzoor Qadri said another inaccurate notion is that everyone should wear masks.
“The masks are fairly ineffective for the average person. Only people caring for infected people and the infected people themselves need to wear masks,” Dr Qadri said.
He pointed out that masks need to be changed every six hours.
“Again, wearing them for a long time may increase the risk for infection as it’s likely you’ll be touching your face more. And shortages of masks caused by panic-buying of masks put healthcare workers at risk,” he said.
Dr Salim Khan, HOD Community Medicine SMHS hospital said the best way to prevent the spread of disease is to practice good hygiene and common-sense health precautions.
“If you are exposed to someone who is ill, wash your hands immediately and avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes. Stay away from big gatherings. Follow cough etiquette by coughing or sneezing on the tissue paper. You should also monitor your symptoms closely and contact your doctor if you notice signs of illness,” he said.
The doctor also asked the people who have traveled from high-risk zones to call on helpline numbers: 0191-2459676, 2520982 (Jammu), 0194-2440283 (Kashmir).
Dr Khawar Khan Achakzai, Registrar Department of Medicine, SMHS said that Kashmir is a tightly knit society, where social and religious gatherings form a backbone. In addition to this, a large number of students and pilgrims often visit the regions worse struck by the Corona infection.
“Stay home when you are sick. Avoid public gatherings especially the mosques (including jummah prayers), imam barhas, shrines and other religious or social gatherings,” he said.
Dr Khawar pointed out that those having fever, cough, running nose should avoid direct contact with children, elderly and those with lung diseases, heart diseases, diabetes, people on chemotherapies for blood and organ cancers.
“Don’t get duped by quacks, peers and self-styled spiritual healers claiming to treat Coronavirus infection. If you feel unwell, visit your nearest hospital,” he asserted.