[COVID-19 Fact Check] Airborne Transmission? Does Kimchi Have Preventive Effects?

On the last day of the Lunar New Year holiday, the 27th, the fourth confirmed case of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) was reported in South Korea. On the same day, the mask sales stand at a large supermarket in Seoul was completely empty due to being sold out. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] "You get infected if you go to places with many Chinese people," "Eating Kimchi keeps you safe," "Wearing a mask is useless"....

As the fear of infectious diseases spreads, with the fourth confirmed case of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) identified in Korea, various rumors are circulating mainly on internet communities and social networking services (SNS). While these reflect the fear of the new coronavirus, some rumors are unverified and close to urban legends.

Health experts advise, "Excessive fear is not helpful," and emphasize that "it is important to pay attention to preventive measures such as maintaining personal hygiene."

◆ Is it dangerous to be near Chinese people?

The novel coronavirus is believed to spread mainly through droplets. If a person touches elevator buttons or door handles contaminated with the virus and another person touches them afterward, infection can occur. The idea that going to places with many Chinese people increases risk implies the possibility of airborne transmission beyond droplet transmission. Airborne transmission means the virus in saliva floats in the air, but this has not yet been confirmed. In the past, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) was only transmissible in medical settings during procedures like intubation or in environments with large amounts of aerosols.

◆ Does Kimchi have a preventive effect?

Kimchi was noted as a food that protected Koreans during the 2003 SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak that swept the world. At that time, there were 700 deaths in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and Vietnam, but only one confirmed case in Korea. However, this was due to differences in quarantine systems, and there is no scientific evidence that Kimchi was the reason. The preventive effect of Kimchi against the novel coronavirus is also close to a rumor so far. However, ingredients used in Kimchi such as garlic and chili peppers have antiviral effects and help boost immunity. Since there is no cure yet, confirmed patients are prescribed antiviral drugs.

Source = YouTube capture

◆ Do infected people suddenly faint while walking?

Some videos posted on internet sites show pedestrians suddenly collapsing on the street. However, most of these are found to be false. Experts say that for someone infected with the novel coronavirus to faint, the lung infection would have to be widespread, causing oxygen deficiency. But for oxygen levels to drop so suddenly during daily activities that a person collapses, the patient would already be in a state where walking would be impossible.

◆ Is transmission possible during the incubation period?

Opinions differ on whether transmission is possible during the incubation period. The incubation period for the novel coronavirus is up to two weeks. On the 26th, Ma Xiaowei, director of the National Health Commission of China, stated at a press conference, "Unlike SARS, it appears that transmission is possible during the incubation period."

On the other hand, some criticize the Chinese government's claim as lacking scientific evidence. Jeong Eun-kyung, director of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said the day before, "We have requested the basis for such a judgment from China," and added, "Based on SARS and MERS cases, it is judged that there is no or low infectivity during the incubation period." Professor Eom Jung-sik, an infectious disease specialist at Gachon University Gil Medical Center, also said, "China seems to have pointed out the possibility of transmission during the incubation period based only on circumstantial evidence."

◆ Is wearing a mask useless?

Since the novel coronavirus is a respiratory disease, wearing a mask is an essential preventive measure. Wearing a mask can prevent others' saliva from splashing onto your face. Medical staff also use medical masks when treating confirmed patients. Generally, if you wear a KF94-grade mask, which medical staff use, it can block a significant portion of the virus.

◆ Can infection occur through the cornea?

In China, medical staff treating patients infected with the novel coronavirus are reported to have been infected through the cornea. This medical staff member wore a mask during treatment but did not wear protective goggles. The virus is transmitted through the air and does not penetrate the skin. However, it can enter through weaker areas such as the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth. In the case of Chinese medical staff, it is possible that the virus entered the eyes through patients' saliva or that infection occurred by rubbing the eyes with virus-contaminated hands.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.