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Published on: Apr 20, 2020
3 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

COVID-19 MYTHBUSTER

MYTHBUSTER

There are many rumours, theories and suggestions that are being spread on Facebook, WhatsApp and social media. Most of these have no truth to them, do not work as treatment, or can be dangerous to your health. They use language that makes them sound scientific, and usually claim to come from a reputable institute, medical journal or doctor. Many people will automatically trust this, without questioning whether the legitimacy of the advice given. We have covered the dangers of these social media posts in our blog: https://www.secondmedic.com/blogs/the-dangers-of-social-media-blind-forwards secondmedic blog

Here we will go over some common myths about COVID-19 and Coronavirus that you will encounter. If you have come across any new myths or theories, or you want to check something you have read or been sent, email us at info@secondmedic.com

5G mobile networks DO NOT spread COVID-19

This is a myth that has been spreading recently, claiming that the new 5G towers being erected are spreading COVID-19. This is not true and there is no scientific evidence to support this.

Coronavirus spreads on small droplets that are coughed up by infected people. It is possible to prove this by looking at these droplets under an electron microscope. 5G networks use radio waves to operate, similar to 4G networks and other mobile network technologies. Radio waves cannot carry or transmit viral particles.

Another theory is that 5G radio waves cause damage to the human body. Radio waves have very little energy and pass through the human body without causing any harm. They have less energy than sunlight, and we are exposed to sunlight daily without harm.

People are claiming that 5G and coronavirus arrived at the same time, and so must be connected. Simply linking two things together does not mean one causes another. 5G technology does not exist in many countries with COVID-19, and yet some of these countries have been hit harder than well developed countries.

Destroying masts because of this conspiracy theory is harmful, as these masts carry mobile network signals that allow people to phone in emergencies, and for emergency responders to communicate with hospitals, fire stations and the police. Destroying these masts can cause serious harm to others.

Coronavirus WAS NOT developed in a laboratory as a weapon by China/Russia/US

Multiple reputable labs and universities across the world have analysed the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, and have determined there is no evidence it was produced by humans. It is very similar to pre-existing coronaviruses that have caused the SARS and MERS pandemics. Conspiracy theories such as these are being used to shift the blame to others and gain political points in the news, rather than focus on what is important – preventing the spread of the virus and treating those that are ill.

Holding your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing DOES NOT prove you are free of COVID-19

One popular test that has spread on WhatsApp states you can see whether you have COVID-19 with one simple test. If you can hold your breath for more than 10 seconds without coughing or feeling any discomfort, you do not have COVID-19 and are safe. It says that COVID-19 causes fibrosis in your lungs and this can stop you from holding your breath. There is no evidence supporting this theory.

Many people who have had COVID-19 can hold their breath for 10 seconds, and many people who are virus free are unable to hold their breath. The only way to determine if you have had the virus is through a nose or throat swab to check for the virus. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, dry cough, feeling tired, shortness of breath), you should assume you have the virus and isolate yourself.

Drinking alcohol DOES NOT protect you against COVID-19

Alcohol is a disinfectant. Washing your hands with alcohol based hand gels can destroy the bacteria. However drinking alcohol is not the same. When you drink alcohol it is processed by your body to release energy, and it loses its disinfectant properties. Drinking too much alcohol can cause alcohol poisoning and damage your liver.

Hundreds of people have died as a result of drinking methanol, a dangerous form of alcohol.

Spraying alcohol over your body will kill any virus that is on your skin. But you should only use alcohol based hand gels, as they have the right amount of alcohol that does not harm your skin. Alcohol based gels will not cure COVID, as the virus causing the symptoms is in your lungs, not your skin.

Drinking bleach DOES NOT protect you against COVID-19. IT CAN KILL YOU

Just like alcohol, disinfectants and bleach can kill the virus if sprayed onto a surface that has the virus. But drinking them is highly dangerous and can be lethal. If ingested bleach will destroy your stomach just like it destroys the virus, and it will continue to destroy your body depending on how much is ingested.

DO NOT DRINK BLEACH.

Similarly do not spray disinfectant or bleach on your skin. It is highly irritating and can cause a lot of damage, especially if it gets in your eyes, nose or mouth.

Dr Rajan Choudhary, UK, Chief Product Officer, Second Medic Inc

www.secondmedic.com

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Only Health-Based Rewards: Why Wellness-Focused Incentives Drive Healthier Workplaces

Corporate rewards have traditionally focused on monetary incentives, gift cards or generic perks. However, organisations are increasingly realising that such rewards offer only short-lived motivation. Only health-based rewards, such as massages, gym bags and fitness trackers, represent a more effective approach to corporate wellness by reinforcing healthy behaviours that deliver long-term benefits.

In India, where lifestyle diseases are rising rapidly among working professionals, aligning rewards with health outcomes is no longer optional.

What Are Health-Based Rewards?

Health-based rewards are incentives designed specifically to improve or support employee wellbeing.

They focus on:

physical health
mental wellbeing
preventive care
recovery and stress relief

Unlike cash incentives, they encourage repeated healthy actions.

Why Traditional Rewards Fall Short

Cash rewards and generic gifts:

provide temporary satisfaction
do not influence daily habits
fail to support long-term wellbeing

Behavioural studies show that incentives disconnected from health goals have limited preventive impact.

The Case for Only Health-Based Rewards

Health-based rewards directly reinforce behaviours such as:

regular physical activity
stress management
recovery and self-care
preventive health participation

WHO workplace health guidelines emphasise incentives that promote sustained behaviour change.

Types of Effective Health-Based Rewards

Massages and Recovery Therapies

Massage therapy:

reduces muscle tension
lowers stress hormones
improves circulation

Monthly or quarterly massage rewards support physical and mental recovery.

Gym Bags and Fitness Gear

Practical fitness accessories:

encourage regular workouts
reduce barriers to exercise
promote active lifestyles

Visible gear reinforces identity as a health-conscious individual.

Fitness Trackers

Fitness trackers:

track steps, activity and sleep
create accountability
encourage daily movement

Data-driven feedback increases participation and motivation.

Psychological Impact of Health-Based Rewards

Health rewards create:

intrinsic motivation
positive habit reinforcement
long-term lifestyle shifts

Unlike cash, they associate rewards with self-care rather than consumption.

Impact on Employee Health Outcomes

Regular participation in wellness incentives leads to:

improved physical activity levels
reduced stress
better sleep patterns

ICMR data links activity-based interventions with lower lifestyle disease risk.

Benefits for Employers

Reduced Healthcare Costs

Preventive health rewards reduce chronic disease burden over time.

Improved Productivity

Healthy employees demonstrate:

better focus
fewer sick days
higher energy levels

Stronger Wellness Culture

Health-first rewards signal genuine organisational commitment.

EY-FICCI reports show preventive wellness programs deliver measurable ROI within 12–18 months.

Why Health-Based Rewards Work Better in India

Indian workplaces face:

long working hours
sedentary routines
high stress levels

Health rewards directly address these risks rather than ignoring them.

Aligning Rewards With Preventive Healthcare

Health-based rewards complement:

health screenings
fitness challenges
mental wellbeing programs

This integrated approach strengthens outcomes.

Avoiding Pitfalls in Reward Design

Effective programs:

avoid one-size-fits-all rewards
offer choice within health categories
ensure inclusivity

Poorly designed incentives reduce engagement.

Measuring Success of Health-Based Rewards

Success indicators include:

participation rates
health screening uptake
employee feedback
reduced absenteeism

Data-driven evaluation improves program effectiveness.

Long-Term Behaviour Change

Sustained wellness improvement requires:

consistency
reinforcement
meaningful incentives

Health-based rewards support gradual but lasting change.

Role of Leadership Support

Leadership participation:

increases credibility
boosts engagement
normalises wellness culture

When leaders embrace health rewards, employees follow.

Health-Based Rewards and Mental Wellbeing

Rewards such as massages and fitness trackers:

reduce burnout
improve mood
enhance resilience

Creating a Preventive Wellness Ecosystem

Only health-based rewards work best when combined with:

education
screenings
access to care

WHO emphasises integrated wellness ecosystems for maximum impact.

Conclusion

Only health-based rewards represent a strategic shift from short-term perks to long-term wellbeing investments. Incentives such as massages, gym bags and fitness trackers actively promote healthy habits, reduce lifestyle disease risk and strengthen workplace wellness culture. By aligning rewards with preventive health goals, organisations create meaningful engagement, healthier employees and sustainable productivity gains. Health-focused incentives are not just rewards—they are tools for lasting wellbeing.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle Disease and Workplace Health Reports
World Health Organization (WHO) – Workplace Health Promotion and Incentives
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Adult Lifestyle Risk Factors
Lancet – Behavioural Incentives and Preventive Health Studies
NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Workforce Wellbeing
EY-FICCI – Corporate Wellness and Productivity Reports
Statista – Employee Wellness Incentive Trends

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