The desi guide to beating coronavirus, according to WhatsApp forwards

As increased cases of coronavirus are being reported across the globe, there is a rising panic amongst people who would do almost anything to save themselves from the pandemic - except quarantine themselves and stop eating out, meeting friends, and of course, attending the decade-long wedding season. But of course, I digress.

While many research preventative measures and even look up care in case any symptoms pop up - again, though stay home please! - some have decided to share information that they really shouldn't.

The WhatsApp forwards have arisen with more vigour than before as odd messages started circulating giving the most random desi totkay and all we're thinking is boy, that was fast.

Just take a look at this forward allegedly by UNICEF (It's not).

As if reasoning with our elders about taking COVID-19 seriously wasn't difficult enough, now we need to tell them swallowing a clove of garlic won't fix it? Pay us for our emotional labour!

Lucky for you (or 'unfortunately' if you were too hopeful), we're here to filter out the silly content and let you know what's what. Wash your hands and don't spread coronavirus or lies about coronavirus.

First of all, don't self check

Let us just end this silly notion right here. There is no way to self test for COVID-19. There is a proper test that diagnoses whether you have the disease and holding your breath for 20 seconds isn't it. You're checking for the coronavirus, not joining the Olympics swim team... which got cancelled... sorry.

Onions, onions everywhere!

The most viral in all 'cures' that has been circulating internationally is the mighty wonders of onions. We get it, onions are packed with nutrients and antioxidants and are known to have antibacterial properties.

But does that mean it's the cure for coronavirus? Not at all. It's great for boosting your immunity but it is not the solution to the now global pandemic.

And seriously, leaving chopped onions around the house will only make you cry. Don't do that to yourself.

Like onion, like garlic

Garlic is being celebrated as the cure for COVID-19, especially a recipe of boiled garlic water. Garlic, like onions, has healthy properties but can it miraculously cure the virus that has infected thousands and also proven fatal?

The fact that we have to clarify saying no is the real surprise here.

Moms do love haldi doodh

Ah yes, haldi doodh... golden milk... turmeric latte... the drink known to solve many ailments. Alas, there are absolutely no reports confirming that this can help coronavirus.

Sure, should you develop body aches as a worrisome symptom - possibly from the fever - this will help alleviate the pain.

Dhoop galore?

We're guessing this one stems from the theory that COVID-19 won't spread in warmer climate, which has been debunked by the World Health Organisation.

The sun is a great source of vitamin D - as long as you have your sunscreen on - but it will not burn the corona off you. This isn't a vampire situation nor a jadoo situation.

All you'll get is a gorgeous tan... a bronzed look... maybe we will be standing in the sun for a while... for the glow.

No need to be salty

Gargling and rinsing your mouth with salt water is known to have a lot of benefits, including relieving a sore or scratchy throat and removing phlegm build up. But can it get rid of the coronavirus? No, no, it can not. Your gums will thank you though.

Hydrate yoselves for yoselves!

So from the few forwards we've gotten, if you drink enough water, you'll flush out the virus. Extra points if you drink hot water to kill the virus and let its dead body be flushed out. That's not how it works folks.

It's always good to hydrate yourselves. In case you get a fever, you will need to replenish your electrolytes. But that it'll work like some detox brand - which are all highly questionable anyway - is a concept that needs to be snuffed.

Fact: follow official updates

You can tell by now these totkay aren't the miracle cures we're all hoping for. For now, how about we stick to following official updates from reputable organisations such as the CDC website and the World Health Organisation?

Seriously, to all those making up these messages, please stop