The spread of dubious claims and false information during the coronavirus outbreak has been rapid on the popular messaging platform – WhatsApp. Here, with the help of our team of doctors and fact-checkers, we debunk 50 most widely circulated and harmful content and claims related to Covid-19.
By Deepika Khurana
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to hit our lives, it is only natural that we look for every source of information to see how best to protect ourselves and our families.
But in the midst of the crisis, misinformation has been spreading virally on various messaging platforms including WhatsApp, the social messaging network that boasts about 160 million active users in India.
This is not just annoying; it can be dangerous too.
At Health Analytics Asia, we debunk 50 most circulated COVID-19 WhatsApp messages that have spread at speed of the deadly virus itself.
1. Claim:If you can hold your breath for 10 seconds, without coughing or difficulty in breathing it indicates the absence of COVID-19 infection.
Truth:The claim is absolutely bogus as cough is only one of the few symptoms that people with coronavirus may experience. There could be patients who may be infected and show symptoms such as fever and body ache.
2. Claim:You can beat the virus with warm water, salt or vinegar. This viral message claims that coronavirus before it reaches lungs remains in throat for four days and it is this time that the person begins to cough or have throat pain.
Truth:First there is no evidence to prove that the virus stays in throat for four days. Second, gargling is often recommended for a sore throat, however, there is no evidence to suggest that it would prevent infection from COVID-19.
3. Claim:China’s whistleblower doctor proposed a cure in his case file before his unfortunate demise. While crediting CNN, an elaborate WhatsApp forward that went viral claimed Dr. Li Wenliang proposed that chemical *Methylxanthine*, *Theobromine* and *Theophylline* stimulate compounds can ward off COVID-19 virus in a human. These complex words that were so difficult for people in China to understand are actually called *Tea* in India. The message also claimed that the hospital staff in China has started serving tea to the patients 3 times a day, and the effect is finally seen in *Wuhan* where the virus has been contained and community transmission has almost stopped.
Truth:As of now, there’s no cure for COVID-19 and scientists are still working on to create a vaccine for COVID-19. Moreover, Dr. Li was an ophthalmologist, which further makes it hard to believe that he proposed a cure for coronavirus.
4. Claim:Groceries, chemist and vegetable shops will remain open only during specific hours as India observes complete lockdown. The message that went viral soon after states declared complete lockdown in the country said that essential item shops such as chemist, medicines, grocery, etc., will be open only during 9:00-11:30 am and 4:30-7:00 pm. Anyone opening or moving except these timings will be detained by the police.
Truth:The bogus message, of course, had no relevance as the Government has made an announcement that shops selling essential goods will remain open even during the complete lockdown.
5. Claim:Rasam, a soup-like concoction of herbs, tamarind juice and lentils is the best way to cure coronavirus. The forwarded message highlighted how years ago when Malaysia was hit by the Nipah virus, Malaysian Indians were not affected as they consumed rasam. The message further said that for better effects it should be consumed with rice.
Truth:Turmeric, one of the ingredients of rasam is an antibiotic, but, one cannot conclude that it can kill the deadly virus.
6. Claim:Constant sex kills coronavirus reads the text what seems to be a manipulated screenshot of a CNN news report. The message shows CNN anchor, Wolf Bilitzer with CNN logo.
Truth:On the contrary, sex is a risk for contracting coronavirus, not a cure.
7. Claim:Everyone should stock up essentials such as milk, ration, medicines, and cash as India is soon going to declare national emergency. The viral message was attributed to Dr. Naresh Trehan, chairman, and MD of Medanta Hospital.
Truth:The official statement released by the Medanta hospital clarifies that ‘the message in question’ is fake and should be disregarded as this can lead to panic buying and stock hoarding.
8. Claim:Breathing in hot air from sauna or hairdryer can kill the novel coronavirus. The video doing rounds on WhatsApp claims that how COVID-19 virus hates heat and it dies if it is exposed to high temperature.
Truth:Experts claim such methods do be downright weird. There isn’t any strong evidence connecting environmental temperature to the transmission of coronavirus.
9. Claim:NASA satellite videos have shown that the coronavirus is retreating in India. The message credits hundreds and thousands of Indians who followed the Prime Minister’s message and clapped during Janta Curfew at 5 pm. The baseless WhatsApp forward further read that the cosmic level sound waves have been detected by NASA’s SD-13 wave detector and that it has shown COVID-19 strain diminishing and weakening in India.
Truth:There’s no such thing as SD-13 Wave Detector that is owned by NASA.
10. Claim:COVID-19 virus will be killed at a temperature of 30-35 degrees. Therefore, drink more hot water, go under the sun for a long time. “Drinking warm water is effective for mostly all viruses. Try not to drink ice. Remember that,” the message said.
Truth:Technically, the virus is destroyed at the temperature greater than 60 C and there’s no way the human body can handle that high temperature.
11. Claim:Aside from washing your hands frequently, use Betadine Sore Throat Gargle to eliminate or minimise the germs while they are still in your throat (before dripping down to your lungs).
Truth:Washing hands is to be encouraged but the claim about gargling with Betadine sore throat for COVID 19 is totally misleading.
12. Claim:Avoid eating meat until coronavirus exists. The forwarded message further reads that coronavirus passes from animals to humans, thus, China is burning pigs to avoid this transmission.
Truth:Consuming raw or undercooked meat is not advisable. But well-cooked meat poses no risk to anyone, and doctors have reiterated that several times to avoid spreading rumours that suggest the contrary.
13. Claim:The Chinese Government is shooting corona virus-infected people, almost 45000 killed.
Truth:Fake message. There is no such confirmed report. Besides, the claim originates from a suspicious website.
14. Claim:Everyone should ensure their mouth and throat are moist, never dry. The advice attributed to Japanese doctors treating COVID-19 cases further reads that take a few sips of water every 15 minutes at least. Why? Even if the virus gets into your mouth, drinking water or other liquids will wash them down through your throat and into the stomach. Once there, your stomach acid will kill all the viruses.
Truth:Though medical officials recommend drinking water during any infection, no scientific evidence exists to support the notion that sipping water prevents a virus from infecting the respiratory system.
15. Claim:Slices of lemon in a cup of lukewarm water can save your life. The WhatsApp forward is credited to Professor Chen Horin, CEO of the Beijing Military Hospital.
Truth:There’s no evidence that proves consuming lemon or a high amount of vitamin C is effective against coronavirus.
16. Claim:Ginger is the miracle cure for coronavirus. A viral message doing rounds on WhatsApp claims that as long as the body maintains heat, eat more ginger and do more exercise, you will not be infected with the virus. If you have a high fever, cover the quilt and drink ginger soup to increase the body’s heat energy without the need for a vaccine. Eating more ginger, garlic pepper can solve it. Also, the misleading message advises to eat less sweet, sour, and salty foods and to avoid going to cold weather areas.
Truth:According to the WHO while it is “healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties”, there’s no evidence that eating garlic can protect people from the coronavirus.
17. Claim:Cutting onions into small pieces and eating without water can cure coronavirus. The bogus miracle cure also suggests not to drink water immediately and have it only after 5 minutes. And, the patient will be cured of coronavirus.
Truth:Eating onion is good for your health. However, it is not cured for COVID-19 infection.
18. Claim:Homeopathic drug ‘Arsenicum album 30’ for prevention of Coronavirus infection. The message claims that the Ayush Ministry of India has suggested taking the Arsenicum Album-30 * homeopathic medicine for three days to avoid infecting the coronavirus.
Truth:This is misinformed advice. Arsenicum album 30 has not been proven or researched scientifically by homeopaths to cure coronavirus or any other infections in humans.
19. Claim:Boiled garlic water for treating coronavirus. The message reads: “Good news, Wuhan’s coronavirus can be cured by one bowl of freshly boiled garlic water. An old Chinese doctor has proven its efficacy. Many patients have also proven this to be effective. Eight (8) cloves of chopped garlic add seven (7) cups of water and bring to boil. Eat and drink the boiled garlic water, for overnight improvement and healing. Glad to share this.”
Truth:Though garlic helps build immunity and has components that reduce common colds, there are no studies outlining the effect of the garlic on the coronavirus.
20. Claim:Verified or unverified advisories and orders by the government are another major hit among India’s chronic forwarders. A WhatsApp forward which looked like an order from the Government of Jammu and Kashmir read that the high speed (4G) internet services will be restored in the State by March 25. It also warned people that any misuse of internet facilities will result in legal action. The message, attributed to the principal secretary to the government also had his signatures.
Truth:This was fake news. The government clarified that they have no plan to restore 4G internet in the State.
21. Claim:A WhatsApp message that looked like a facebook forward claimed that by inhaling steam from boiling sea salt and orange peelings for 15 minutes can prevent coronavirus from entering the body.
Truth:There is no scientific proof of the claim; WHO does not mention this remedy.
22. Claim:A screenshot of a news broadcast showing a lion in the street and reporting that Russia has deployed hundreds of lions to maintain lockdown order is going viral.
Truth:The claim is false as the photo used in the image was taken in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2016. Moreover, Russia has not yet announced a nationwide lockdown.
23. Claim:Soon after British Prime Minister Boris Jhonson was diagnosed positive for coronavirus, there was a misleading WhatsApp forward doing rounds that claimed Indian Home Minister Amit Shah has contracted coronavirus.
Truth:This was fake news. To give rest to rumours, Shah had tweeted a photo where he along with other ministers were attending a cabinet meeting chaired by Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi.
24. Claim:Another post that is going viral on the popular messaging app is a precautionary message that one can catch fire due to hand sanitizer as it has a high amount of alcohol. The message also shows the hands of a lady who after applying sanitizer went near the stove and ended up burning her hands.
Truth:The viral message is misleading as the alcohol in the hand sanitiser evaporates completely once rubbed over the hands and leaves nothing to catch fire.
25. Claim:Another message claiming that scientists have found a cure for coronavirus and that it is the drinking of bitter gourd juice causing the virus to fade away in two hours is making rounds on social media.
Truth:If health experts are to be believed, bitter gourd’s juice is good for health, however, it has no role to play in coronavirus cure. The Indian government’s Press Information Bureau also issued a statement on March 18, 2020, calling the claim “absolutely false”.
26. Claim:In the thick of a global outbreak, a London-based news media organisation broke a story claiming that the Pakistani Prime Minister has been infected by the novel virus. The message went viral on Whatsapp.
Truth:Imran Khan’s party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has denied media reports that Imran Khan has tested positive for COVID-19.
27. Claim:The fake news about India reaching third stage transmission of the coronavirus outbreak evidently took the internet by storm. The message issuing a public warning is attributed to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The message also claims that if left unchecked, the total death count by the coronavirus outbreak in India could reach the number of fifty thousand. The message first started circulating on WhatsApp. It was later shared by many people on Facebook and other social media platforms as well. Some netizens went to the extent of making fake World Health Organization templates to spread the fake news.
Truth:The ICMR has not released any estimate of how many people will die due to the coronavirus pandemic in India.
28. Claim:Desperation for coronavirus vaccine is evident from this viral post with a video of United States President Donald Trump claiming that the “Covid-19 vaccine is ready and will be launched by the pharmaceutical giant Roche by next Sunday.” The message also confirms that millions of doses are ready from it !!!
Truth:Roche in a press release announced that FDA has issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the cobas® SARS-CoV-2 Test. It says this is the “first commercial test for SARS-CoV-2 will enable expedited coronavirus testing to meet urgent medical needs”. The company had just thanked FDA for approval for coronavirus tests and not the vaccine, as claimed in the fake viral message.
29. Claim:Since the start of the pandemic there have been several theories claiming to be a magical cure for the deadly virus. However, the latest one doing rounds on WhatsApp and social media is the use of anti-malaria drug chloroquinine to enhance immunity. A misleading message claims that all the people treated in Rajasthan, the first Indian state to get affected by COVID-19, were given this anti-malarial drug. It further advises people to have a dose of 400 mg tablet, twice or thrice in a week.
Truth:The forwarded message is not just misleading and irresponsible but it can prove life-threatening too as the drug in question has several side-effects. Infact, there have been several reports of poisonings in Nigeria where people were self-medicating with chloroquine against COVID-19.
30. Claim:Another WhatsApp forward spreading like a wildfire is attributed to Dr. A Dhanthi of Apollo Hospital Delhi and Dr. Ramesh Singh of Bihar State’s Health Department. The message clearly states that since the coronavirus dies in extreme heat, therefore, it is advised one should increase the body temperature by consuming foods such as 2-3 raw garlic cloves – 2 times a day, turmeric milk – once a day, pomegranate and papaya fruits, green tea, carom seeds, ginger, black pepper, etc.
Truth:There’s no scientific evidence that proves the efficacy of these food items against coronavirus.
31. Claim:In the wake of Janta Curfew on March 22, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed masses to clap and clang plates to express gratitude to those providing essential services several fake messages started doing rounds. The message read: “An opinion given: 5 PM, 22nd Mar, ‘amavasya’, darkest day of the month; virus, bacteria evil force at max potential & power! Clapping shankh vibrations reduce/ destroy virus potency Moon passing to new ‘nakshatra’ Revati. cumulative vibration betters blood circulation.”
Truth:Prime Minister Modi’s message was misinterpreted as there is no proven scientific evidence that vibrations created by collectively clapping can destroy the deadly virus.
32. Claim:Another viral message likely to create panic among people reads: do not “leave home under any circumstances”. The explanation highlights an imminent “peak incubation period” across the country, implying that all people will be more susceptible to contracting the disease. “The incubation period is completed so the contagious period will be at a peak and many will be susceptible to infection. Be vigilant and very careful,” the message says.
Truth:This was factually incorrect as the level at which people are contagious depends on their individual infection.
33. Claim:Another widely circulated message claims that it’s dangerous to take ibuprofen if you have coronavirus. The University of Vienna has sent a memo warning people with coronavirus symptoms not to take ibuprofen, “because it has been discovered that it increases the speed of reproduction of the coronavirus Covid-19 in the body and this is the reason why people in Italy have reached the current bad stage and rapid spread,” reads the elaborate message.
Truth:There is currently no evidence that ibuprofen can make coronavirus (COVID-19) worse. However, there are many studies that suggest ibuprofen use during a respiratory infection can result in worsening of the disease or other complications. So, before taking any medication, it’s advisable to consult your doctor.
34. Claim:A long message attributed to Bill Gates, the Microsoft billionaire, encouraging people to reflect positively on their lives during the coronavirus outbreak has been shared in multiple countries. The message also made it to national newspaper websites and the Instagram account of Naomi Campbell, the supermodel.
Truth:The viral letter is a hoax and has been falsely attributed to Bill Gates.
35. Claim:Photoshopped image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing the Internet shut down for one week and claiming that it is being done to avoid panic in people is widely circulated on the messaging app and social media platforms.
Truth:The claim is incorrect as neither any Indian ministry and nor any state government has made an official announcement about it. Moreover, PM Modi has only announced a 21-day nation-wide lockdown.
36. Claim:A message claiming that posting anything related to coronavirus on social media has been declared a punishable offence has been doing rounds on various messaging apps. The viral message reads, “All honorable members of the group are informed that right now any post related to coronavirus has been declared a punishable offense by the Central Government, only a government agency can post on Corona.”
Truth:The message is false. There is no such order by the Indian government. And there is no Ravi Nayak in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to whom this WhatsApp is attributed.
37. Claim:“In Israel, no death from C-19!” this is how the first line of a fake message, which is now being widely circulated online, starts. It then goes onto say how there’s a cure for coronavirus and also falsely claims that the virus didn’t cause any deaths in the country. The message then details a supposed cure for the pandemic – a combination of lemon, water, and bicarbonate (baking soda). It’s being circulated widely on WhatsApp by many.
Truth:As per official data of Israel, coronavirus has already claimed 31 lives in Israel and infected as many as 5,000 people. These numbers itself speak aloud about the misleading message. Further, there is no report by WHO that says lemon and bicarbonate mixture is a cure for COVID-19.
38. Claim:Another Whatsapp forward is urging people not to get out of their houses after 10 PM and stay in till 5 AM as ‘there will be spraying of medicine in the air to kill COVID-19’. “Hello, I kindly request you not to come out of your house after 10 pm tonight till tomorrow 5 am…As there will be spraying medicine in the air in order to kill the COVID-19!! Share this information with all your friends, relatives, and your families. Thank you!” – reads the viral text. The message seems to be circulating in many cities, languages and even across countries.
Truth:The message is false. In fact, the official Twitter handle of the Government of India has denied this viral claim.
39. Claim:Many people received a WhatsApp forward that advised people to wear surgical masks in reverse to make them fully effective.
Truth:There is only one way to wear surgical masks: with the coloured side facing outwards. The white side is actually an absorbent material and helps in breathing while the coloured outer layer is water-repellent, to prevent any bodily fluids from being absorbed into the mask.
40. Claim:A WhatsApp forward with an article published on a website called inventiva.co.in is claiming Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to announce Emergency in India under Article 360 — Financial Emergency.
Truth:This is a fake message. There is no such announcement by the government.
41. Claim:A message is being shared widely on social media with a claim that Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has extended financial year closing till 30 June 2020 and that the next financial year will be from 01 July 2020 to 31 March 2021.
Truth:There is no change in the normal financial year. Hence the claim made in the post is absolutely false.
42. Claim:Mustard oil can prevent coronavirus is doing rounds on WhatsApp. In the message, it is being claimed that, as the virus enters through a person’s nose, if mustard oil is applied inside both the nostrils before bathing in the morning, it will protect him for at least eight hours from the virus. Also, the message claims that mustard oil is an anti-virus oil and using it will cause the virus to stick to the walls of the nose thus preventing it from reaching a person’s lungs and getting infected.
Truth:Neither the WHO nor the Ministry for Health & Family Welfare (India) has recommended the use of mustard oil for COVID-19.
43. Claim:As soon as news of Prince of Wales Charles having contacted coronavirus hit the headlines, a fake WhatsApp message started taking a dig at Kanika Kapoor for having infected him. The Bollywood singer who was tested positive for Covid-19 after returning from the United Kingdom on March 9 is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Lucknow.
Truth:While the photos have gone viral on the internet, they aren’t from any recent gathering. The photos belong to a 2015 event – the Elephant Family charity ‘Travels to my Elephants’ — hosted by Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
44. Claim:The latest message doing rounds states that the 52 WhatsApp group admins are detained at Dadar’s cybercrime police station for forwarding misleading information to their groups. The message also says that each group admin will face a jail term of 1 to 5 years and for securing bail, they would have to fight in criminal court. No explanation by any admin would be taken into account. Further, the message says that only a government agency is authorised to post things about the COVID-19 crisis. If the posts are found wrong or misleading, action would be taken against all the members of that group including the admin, and a lawsuit will be registered in their names according to the IT Act. The message also mentions that it is by the order by Ravi Nayak, the principal secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
Truth:The message is false. There is no person named Ravi Nayak in the government to pass any such orders.
45. Claim:A WhatsApp forward has gone viral which claimed that a vaccine for coronavirus has been discovered. The viral forward also claims that the treatment for coronavirus is mentioned in an Intermediate Zoology book. The viral forward reads: “It is not a new disease as it is already mentioned in the Intermediate zoology book along with its treatment. It happens sometimes that many great scientists and doctors do not focus on lesser-known books as they are mostly busy with famous books. Book name: Zoology, Writer: Dr. Ramesh Gupta, Page No. 1072.) Friends, this is not fake news so I request you to kindly share it maximum so all coronavirus patients are treated in time.”
Truth:The message is misleading as treatments mentioned in the viral page of the book are not the treatments for coronavirus but are treatments for a common cold.
46. Claim:A number of posts shared repeatedly on WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook claim one of India’s richest people Azim Premji has donated INR 50,000 crore for the COVID-19 relief.
Truth:The claim is not true as the news is one year old.
47. Claim:A misleading forward that the genome of the virus affecting Indians is mutated is doing rounds on WhatsApp. The claim said that “there is variation in mortality and infection rate based upon the genome of the virus. Host immunity is also playing a role.”
Truth:Many known virologists and epidemiologists including India’s clinician-scientist and Executive Director of THSTI, Dr. Gangandeep Kang have retaliated to this unscientific and unproven message. In her tweet, she said, “This is appalling and misleading (unless I missed something). The 2 [two]*shared* Indian sequences are from 2 Wuhan returnees end-Jan. They are near identical to sequenced strains from Wuhan. Nothing special here, move on. Trust the right scientists”.
48. Claim:Multiple messages are cautioning people of consuming chicken claiming it can cause coronavirus. One such message reads: “Chicken infected from coronavirus found in Bangalore today. Kindly circulate this message and avoid consumption of chicken.”
Truth:The WHO has also maintained that there is no link between chicken and coronavirus.
49. Claim:WhatsApp is flooded with claims that Dettol and Lysol can kill coronavirus. Screenshots of the labels of these brands were shared in which the names of various germs and viruses killed by these disinfectants were given. Among those names, Human Coronavirus could also be seen.
Truth:In response, both the companies issued a clarification saying they haven’t tested the effectiveness of their product against the COVID-19.
50. Claim:A screenshot widely shared on WhatsApp reads: ‘Breaking News: Weed Kills Coronavirus.’ The image that was widely shared even on social media looked like a news broadcast.
Truth:There is no scientific evidence to prove that the plant can cure COVID-19. Besides, on performing a reverse image search it was revealed that this image has no certified background of corresponding to any news, but is a meme generated from en.dopl3r.com.
With inputs from Nabeela Khan.
