Fake news are more dangerous than Coronavirus

With the onset of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Fake news focused on Facebook, Twitter, and messaging apps such as WhatsApp about this virus.

All around the world are searching and reading about several ways of protection against the virus mainly in social media; thus many people start to believe about these fake news and apply it because it spread faster than the truth so, the WHO along with Iraqi ministry of health via their site and social media accounts posted promotion flyers to denial fake news and guiding people to the right methods of prevention; Here we will review some of the most popular fake news about COVID-19 :

1- Peganum harmala : As it was published on Arabic social media that evaporation in use to protect from COVID-19, Many people followed it as remedy until the Iraqi Ministry of Health warns against its use.

2- Onions and garlic: posted on social media the onions and garlic Helps prevent against Coivd-19, but the World Health Organization has confirmed that they are never useful.

3- Drinking fluids every 15 minutes protects against the virus: Some claimed that our mouths should be kept wet and never let them dry out. Therefore, they suggested that sips of water be taken every 15 minutes to help the virus flow into the body where stomach acid would kill it. Still, in reality, while drinking water prevents dehydration, it will not prevent anyone from contracting the new Coronavirus, and there is no clear indication that drinking fluids can protect against complications.

4- Spraying alcohol all over the body prevents infection: THE WHO has criticized people who claim that spraying alcohol or chlorine throughout the body will kill viruses that have already entered the body.

Instead, WHO says: "Spraying such materials can harm clothing or mucous membranes (such as the eyes and mouth), be aware that both alcohol and chlorine can be beneficial for disinfection of surfaces, but within the framework of appropriate recommendations."

5- Messages and packages from China are unsafe: Contrary to popular assumptions, it is safe to receive parcels from China. WHO says: "People who receive goods from China are not at risk of contracting the new Coronavirus."

WHO explained that, through previous analyzes, "we know that coronaviruses do not last long on things, such as letters or parcels."

6- Exposure to sunlight protects against infection with the virus: posted on social media exposure safeguard against the virus but who confirmed COVID-19 is transmitted with exposure.

7- Wear rubber gloves effectively to prevent COVID-19: Most people think to wear gloves will protect them from the virus, But WHO confirmed washing the hand consistently much better to prevent the infection.

These are some fake news that spread on COVID-19. This news may be much more dangerous than the virus because it may cause people to do harmful things to prevent the infection.

The most important ways to prevent COVID-19 virus By stop spreading fake news so, to check the news, please search for its sources in the reliable international and local newspapers and news agencies or the WHO website.

To reduce fake news, Facebook and YouTube are using AI algorithms to stop fake news and Ads. It isn't an easy job, while such stories can spread in various languages to two billion social media users.

To force the truth, Facebook depends on well-known organizations and newsagents; these days, Facebook shows only reliable information from sites like The WHO.

YouTube as well are using promotion methods of unproven medically for COVID-19 prevention, and A YouTube spokesperson said the company was committed to providing "quick and useful news" and reducing the spread of harmful, misleading news.

So, it seems that social media is making some efforts to stop the spread of rumors and fake news.

1. https://www.facebook.com/MOH.GOV.IQ/photos/a.860171854037214/2713890855331962/?type=3
2. http://www.emro.who.int/ar/health-topics/corona-virus/myth-busters.html
3. https://www.bbc.com/arabic/science-and-tech-51654354