There Is No Known Cure or Vaccine for COVID-19; Even Though Research Persists

Vaccine available for prevention of coronavirus – WhatsApp message.

The World Health Organisation says there is currently no vaccine for the treatment or prevention of the COVID-2019. However, health authorities are investigating possible vaccines through clinical trials with expected results soon.

Full Text

Following the outbreak of what is now officially called the COVID-19, numerous claims regarding drugs or treatment methods, have been in circulation on social media. Examples include the efficacy of garlic and chloroquine as cures for the COVID-19, which have been debunked by fact-checkers.  

The latest claim, in the form of a screenshot DUBAWA received on WhatsApp, suggests a coronavirus vaccine may be available for the prevention of the disease. 

The screenshot bears a picture of a vial with the inscription “Coronavirus Vaccine”. The text accompanying it reads: “That’s a great news in the world, To God be the glory. Business will soon start again especially to those travelling to China. Meanwhile, people’s reactions on the breaking news will tell you how important the coronavirus vaccine is to the whole world. Some of their comment are s follows:”

Verification

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is yet to confirm the availability of a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. According to information on its website, there is currently no vaccine for the prevention of the disease.

“To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-2019,” the website reads. 

However, researchers in Hong Kong, the United States of America, Australia, China and other parts of the world are racing to find a cure, drug or vaccine for the COVID-19. Possible vaccines are under investigation and are being tested on animals to ascertain their efficacy.  

We carried out several image searches on the screenshot received and came up with zero results. However, we traced the photo of the vial here. It carried the caption “Scientist holding a lab bottle with the text of coronavirus written in blue gloves and needle standing on the black table blurred background.” 

We also observed the vial has featured in some news stories; which have focused on possible vaccines and the efforts scientists are making to develop a cure for the coronavirus. 

Preventive Measures

For now, the necessary preventive measures, as highlighted by the WHO and the Ghana Health Service (GHS), are your best bet against contracting the disease. Here are some of the things you can do to stay safe: 

• Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
• Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
• Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene; this means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
• Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance.