ISLAMABAD – Multiple posts on Facebook and Twitter shared hundreds oftimes in the Philippines claim that doctors in Japan advise people todrink water every 15 minutes in order to prevent being infected by thenovel coronavirus, COVD-19. The claim is misleading; the World HealthOrganization (WHO) says drinking water does not prevent novel coronavirusinfection; Japan has not issued a health advisory listing drinking water asa prevention method for COVID-19.
The post was published here link on Facebook onFebruary 28, 2020.
It has been shared more than 400 times.
Below is a screenshot of the misleading Facebook post:Screenshot of Facebook post
The post reads, in part: “SERIOUS EXCELLENT ADVICE by Japanese doctorstreating COVID-19 cases. Everyone should ensure your mouth & throat ismoist, never DRY. Take a few sips of water every 15 mins at least. WHY?Even if the virus gets into your mouth…drinking water or other liquidswill WASH them down through your oesophagus and into the stomach. Oncethere in tummy…your stomach ACID will kill all the virus. If you don’tdrink enough water more regularly…the virus can enter your windpipes andinto the LUNGS. That’s very dangerous.”
A similar claim was also shared here link and herelink on Twitter.
The claim is misleading.
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This link tweeton the WHO’s official Twitter account states in part: “While stayinghydrated by drinking water is important for overall health, it does notprevent coronavirus infection.”
Below is a screenshot of the WHO’s tweet:Screenshot of WHO post
This link video produced by the WHO gives adviceon how to prevent coronavirus infection.
The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfarelink,which oversees the country’s response to the novel coronavirus, has alsonot issued an advisory recommending frequent water intake.
In the “About Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)” section of its website,the ministry lists washing hands frequently and covering mouth and nosewhen coughing or sneezing as “everyday preventive actions” to take.
