COVID-19 treatment and prevention myths

Currently, no cure is available for COVID-19. Researchers are testing a variety of treatments. But misinformation continues to circulate about ways to prevent infection with the COVID-19 virus or treat COVID-19.

Here's what the science says:

• Pneumonia and flu vaccines. Vaccines against pneumonia, such as the pneumococcal vaccine, don't provide protection against the COVID-19 virus. The flu shot also won't protect you against the COVID-19 virus. However, annual flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone age 6 months and older.
• Saline nasal wash. There is no evidence that rinsing your nose with saline protects against infection with the COVID-19 virus.
• High temperatures. Exposure to the sun or to temperatures higher than 77 F (25 C) doesn't prevent the COVID-19 virus or cure COVID-19. You can get the COVID-19 virus in sunny, hot and humid weather. Taking a hot bath also can't prevent you from catching the COVID-19 virus. Your normal body temperature remains the same, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower.
• Low temperatures. Cold weather and snow also can't kill the COVID-19 virus.
• Antibiotics. Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. However, people hospitalized due to COVID-19 might be given antibiotics because they also have developed a bacterial infection.
• Alcohol and chlorine spray. Spraying alcohol or chlorine on your body won't kill viruses that have entered your body. These substances also can harm your eyes, mouth and clothes.
• Drinking alcohol. Drinking alcohol doesn't protect you from the COVID-19 virus.
• Garlic. There's no evidence that eating garlic protects against infection with the COVID-19 virus.
• Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection lamp. Ultraviolet light can be used as a disinfectant on surfaces. But don't use a UV lamp to sterilize your hands or other areas of your body. UV radiation can cause skin irritation.
• 5G mobile networks. Avoiding exposure to or use of 5G networks doesn't prevent infection with the COVID-19 virus. Viruses can't travel on radio waves and mobile networks. The COVID-19 virus is spreading in many countries that lack 5G mobile networks.
• Disinfectants. When applied to surfaces, disinfectants can help kill germs such as the COVID-19 virus. However, don't use disinfectants on your body, inject them into your body or swallow them. Disinfectants can irritate the skin and be toxic if swallowed or injected into the body. Also, don't wash produce with disinfectants.
• Supplements. Many people take vitamin C, zinc, green tea or echinacea to boost their immune systems. But these supplements are unlikely to affect your immune function or prevent you from getting sick. The supplement colloidal silver, which has been marketed as a COVID-19 treatment, isn�t safe or effective for treating any disease. Oleandrin, an extract from the toxic oleander plant, is poisonous and shouldn�t be taken as a supplement or home remedy.
• Ivermectin. This drug is often used in the U.S. to treat or prevent parasites in animals. In humans, specific doses of ivermectin tablets can be used to treat parasitic worms and a topical version can be applied to the skin to treat head lice and skin conditions. However, ivermectin isn�t a drug for treating viruses and the FDA hasn�t approved use of this drug to treat or prevent COVID-19. Taking large doses of this drug can cause serious harm. Don�t use medications intended for animals on yourself.