Thread by @WHO

Q: Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the new #coronavirus (2019-nCoV)?
A: No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria.
The 2019-nC0V is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment.

@WHOWPRO @WHOSEARO @WHO_Europe @pahowho @WHOEMRO @WHOAFRO Q: Does the new #coronavirus (2019-nC0V) affect older people, or are younger people also susceptible?
A: People of all ages can be infected by the virus.
Older people & those with pre-existing medical conditions appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus

@WHOWPRO @WHOSEARO @WHO_Europe @pahowho @WHOEMRO @WHOAFRO Q: Can pets at home spread the new #coronavirus (2019-nCoV)?
A: At present, there is no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs, cats can be infected with the virus.
However, it is always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets

@WHOWPRO @WHOSEARO @WHO_Europe @pahowho @WHOEMRO @WHOAFRO Q: Are there any specific medicines to prevent or treat the new #coronavirus (2019-nCoV)?
A: To date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the virus.
WHO is helping to accelerate research and development efforts with a range of partners.

@WHOWPRO @WHOSEARO @WHO_Europe @pahowho @WHOEMRO @WHOAFRO Q: Do vaccines against pneumonia protect you against #2019nCoV?
A: No. Vaccines against pneumonia do not provide protection against 2019-nCoV.
The virus is new and different. It needs its own vaccine.

#KnowTheFacts

@WHOWPRO @WHOSEARO @WHO_Europe @pahowho @WHOEMRO @WHOAFRO Q: Is it safe to receive a letter or a package from China?
A: Yes, it is safe. People receiving packages from China are not at risk of contracting #2019nCoV.
From previous analysis, we know coronaviruses do not survive long on objects, such as letters or packages.

#KnowTheFacts

@WHOWPRO @WHOSEARO @WHO_Europe @pahowho @WHOEMRO @WHOAFRO Q: Does putting on or eating sesame oil block the #2019nC0V from entering the body?
A: No. Sesame oil is delicious but it does not kill 2019-nCoV.

#KnowTheFacts

@WHOWPRO @WHOSEARO @WHO_Europe @pahowho @WHOEMRO @WHOAFRO Q: Can eating garlic help prevent infection with #2019nCoV?
A: Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from 2019-nCoV
#KnowTheFacts

@WHOWPRO @WHOSEARO @WHO_Europe @pahowho @WHOEMRO @WHOAFRO Q: Can gargling mouthwash protect you from infection with the #2019nCoV?
A: No. There is no evidence that using mouthwash will protect you from infection with the new coronavirus.

#KnowYourFacts

@WHOWPRO @WHOSEARO @WHO_Europe @pahowho @WHOEMRO @WHOAFRO Q: Can regularly rinsing your nose with saline solution help prevent infection with #2019nCoV?
A: No. There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline solution has protected people from infection with the new coronavirus.

#KnowYourFacts