Call
+918447748545

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

Read Blog

Flexible Work Schedules with Telehealth Support: A Smarter Approach to Employee Wellbeing

The modern workplace is undergoing a significant transformation. Rigid office hours and traditional healthcare access models are giving way to flexible work schedules and digital health solutions. One of the most impactful combinations emerging in corporate wellness is flexible work schedules with telehealth support.

This integrated approach addresses two critical challenges faced by today’s workforce: work-life imbalance and delayed healthcare access.

Why Workplace Health Models Need to Change

According to NITI Aayog and EY-FICCI workforce reports, Indian employees face rising levels of:

work-related stress
lifestyle diseases
burnout
absenteeism

Long working hours, commuting stress and limited time for medical visits worsen health outcomes. Flexible work arrangements and telehealth support directly address these gaps.

What Are Flexible Work Schedules?

Flexible work schedules allow employees to:

adjust start and end times
work remotely or in hybrid formats
manage personal commitments alongside work

Flexibility empowers employees to align work with their physical and mental health needs.

Understanding Telehealth Support

Telehealth uses digital platforms to deliver healthcare services such as:

online doctor consultations
follow-up care
preventive health advice
mental health support

It eliminates geographical and time barriers to healthcare.

Why Combining Flexibility with Telehealth Works

Individually, flexibility and telehealth are beneficial. Together, they create a powerful wellness ecosystem.

This combination allows employees to:

consult doctors without taking leave
manage chronic conditions proactively
address early symptoms promptly
reduce healthcare delays

Health Benefits for Employees

Reduced Stress and Burnout

Flexible schedules reduce time pressure, while telehealth removes healthcare-related anxiety.

Improved Access to Preventive Care

Employees are more likely to seek early consultations when care is convenient.

Better Management of Chronic Conditions

Conditions like hypertension, diabetes and thyroid disorders require regular follow-up, which telehealth supports efficiently.

Enhanced Mental Wellbeing

Tele-mental health services enable confidential and timely support.

Improved Work-Life Balance

Employees can prioritise health without compromising job responsibilities.

Productivity Benefits for Employers

Reduced Absenteeism

Quick access to care reduces prolonged sick leave.

Improved Employee Engagement

Health-supported employees show higher motivation and loyalty.

Lower Healthcare Costs

Preventive care reduces long-term medical claims.

Strong Employer Branding

Wellness-focused policies attract and retain talent.

Evidence Supporting Flexible Work and Telehealth

According to WHO and Lancet workplace health studies:

flexible work reduces stress-related disorders
telehealth improves healthcare utilisation
preventive care lowers chronic disease burden

Indian corporate data mirrors these findings, especially in hybrid work environments.

Role in Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare focuses on early risk identification and lifestyle management.

Flexible schedules with telehealth support:

encourage routine checkups
support ongoing health monitoring
enable early intervention

This aligns with India’s preventive healthcare priorities outlined by NITI Aayog.

Addressing Common Concerns

Productivity Loss Myth

Multiple studies show flexible work improves output rather than reducing it.

Quality of Telehealth

Telehealth is effective for most primary care and follow-up needs.

Data Security

Modern telehealth platforms follow strict privacy and data protection standards.

Ideal Use Cases in the Workplace

This model is particularly effective for:

IT and corporate offices
remote and hybrid teams
organisations with distributed workforce
high-stress work environments

Implementation Best Practices

To maximise impact:

set clear flexibility guidelines
integrate telehealth access into HR benefits
promote preventive consultations
track wellness metrics

Leadership support is key to adoption.

Long-Term Organisational Impact

Organisations adopting this model report:

improved employee health indicators
reduced burnout
stronger workplace culture
sustainable productivity gains

Wellbeing becomes a strategic advantage.

Conclusion

Flexible work schedules with telehealth support represent the future of employee wellbeing. By removing barriers to healthcare access and allowing employees control over their work routines, this approach promotes preventive care, reduces stress and enhances productivity. As workplaces evolve, integrating flexibility with digital health support is not just an employee benefit—it is a strategic investment in long-term organisational health and resilience.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Workplace Health Promotion Framework
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle Disease and Workforce Health Studies
NITI Aayog – Digital Health and Workplace Wellness Reports
Lancet – Telehealth and Workforce Productivity Research
EY-FICCI – Corporate Wellness and Future of Work Reports
Statista – Telehealth Adoption and Workforce Trends

Request A Callback

+91

By using this website/app, I confirm that I am at least 18 years old and consent to the processing of my personal data in accordance with the Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Declaration.