From cellphone networks to toothpaste and camel’s pee, theories have circulated in abundance.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought us its fair share of real-life terrors, unbelievable stories, and strange occurrences. It has been difficult at times to discern which messages to follow in our attempt to avoid the virus and which to adhere to. Directives advising people to wear a mask, wash their hands, and practice social distancing have seemed logical to some and looney to others. But it goes beyond this. As with any time of panic and concern, conspiracy theories have arisen throughout the pandemic, some more striking than others.
Here’s a look at some of the wilder approaches to explaining away our problems as we try to figure out exactly where they’ve come from.
5G
Yes, 5G is a cell phone network thing and really has nothing to do with viruses. Some people believe that COVID-19 somehow moves from person to person through 5G technology (5th generation), however, as the newest cell phone network service used worldwide since 2019. How a virus that gives you a respiratory infection can travel along a tech network is beyond many of us. But it’s someone’s “truth”.
COVID-19 doesn’t exist
We’ve all heard this one before: many people still believe that COVID-19 has never existed. The virus has just been a creation of the media and something the world’s leaders brought to life in order to control our every move. How politicians benefit from pausing the economy and deciding to dole out coronavirus benefits to everyone while their voting populace dies in ever-greater numbers remains a mystery, but it all makes sense to someone.
Garlic, Onion and Ginger
It’s true that consuming garlic, onion, and ginger can temporarily boost your immune system and help you lead a healthier life. None of them will cure you of COVID-19, however. Garlic contains something called allicin, which is thought to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. Onions and ginger have also been found to have antimicrobial properties as well as system-boosting antioxidants. COVID-19 can cause multi-organ failure, however, as it storms your body, taking over every last inch. No garden filled with healthy root vegetables is going to deter it, now matter how tasty.
Related: Do massage chairs help?
Camel’s Urine
This is an interesting one. The Middle East saw Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) devastate those who caught it. MERS is said to have a staggering case fatality rate of about 35%. Experts say this may be exaggerated…but still. We’re not sure where the idea of drinking camel’s urine came from but it could have been an idea that surfaced during this epidemic.
MERS is thought to have jumped to humans from infected camels and some creative soul may have thought that by ingesting the animal’s urine you could gain some sort of “protection”. COVID-19, of course, really has nothing to do with this. And we’re guessing that camel urine isn’t actually a drink you’d want to line up for. Skip this liquid refreshment and stick to Gatorade. It won’t make you gag and will probably hydrate you better.
Nano-Silver Toothpaste
Eating silver can obviously harm your health. In high enough doses, over time silver has been found to lead to kidney damage and seizures. Some people take silver supplements to fight off infections but little research has been done into these health claims. What’s advised? It’s better to keep your silver dangling from your ears and fingers. Nano-silver toothpaste may bring a shine to your teeth but it won’t prevent you from dying from COVID-19.
German Beer
German beer may be good for many things but curing COVID isn’t one of them. Enough said.
There is no known cure for COVID-19 yet and there may never be. Staying up-to-date with your vaccines can provide you with the best protection you can get, as can staying away from those who are infected with the virus.
Live a healthy lifestyle and get active to boost your immune system. Winter is coming and the pandemic could very well grow worse again before it gets better again.
photo credits: Ascannio/Shutterstock.com
