False: The Chinese are fighting COVID-19 by using heat-based home therapies instead of opting for the conventional medical advice.

By: Annie Priya
July 17 2020

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A false message is being circulated online about the Chinese people opting home remedies over seeking medical advice.A viral message is circulating on social media claims that the Chinese are not taking any medicine or any vaccine for the Coronavirus; they have stopped going to the hospital for a cure, instead, kill the virus with heat through steam inhalation; hot gargles and hot tea. Drinking or gargling warm water can help with a sore throat, cold, and flu, but it will not protect against COVID-19 infection. The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that there is no scientific evidence that hot water helps prevent COVID-19. It further recommends that we much consume more fruits and vegetables to maintain a healthy diet to boost our immune system. A vaccine for COVID-19 has not been discovered yet, and currently, several potential vaccines are at different stages of clinical trials across the world. While some western, traditional, or home remedies may provide comfort and alleviate symptoms of COVID-19, there is no evidence that steam therapy or hot liquids can cure the virus. The methods cited in the online posts do not cure the infection and can be potentially harmful to human health. The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19 including symptoms, prevention and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organisation or your national healthcare authority.