Coronavirus warning: ‘Hold your breath for more than 10 seconds’ test should be ignored

Coronavirus was described by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday as the “worst public health crisis for a generation”. While this may sound alarmist, the government has been criticised over the past few weeks for sugarcoating the seriousness of the virus so it is a welcome shift in attitude. The UK is estimated to be a few weeks away from an Italy-grade escalation so this is not the time to underplay the seriousness of the situation.

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By the same token, the widespread panic induced by the snowballing crisis has allowed harmful myths to spread on social media. False ideas can lead to misguided decisions, which in turn can worsen the crisis.

One example of this is the so-called self-check text doing the rounds on social media platforms.

The claim is that the virus can be identified by taking a deep breath and holding it for more than 10 seconds.

The story goes, if you complete this task without experiencing discomfort, stuffiness or tightness it proves there is no fibrosis in the lungs, which can indicate you are free from respiratory infections.

The false claim is comprised of three parts. Firstly, it says that if a coronavirus patient goes to the hospital too late their lungs will experience 50 percent fibrosis, a condition characterised by scarring of the lungs that restricts breathing.

It goes on to suggest the 10 second breathing test will there indicate the coronavirus-induced lung condition

Dr. Robert Legare Atmar, an infectious disease specialist at Baylor College of Medicine, was quick to rubbish these claims.

He told the Associated Press that there is no clear evidence that coronavirus causes 50 percent pulmonary fibrosis.

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Dr Atmar also said the 10 second breathing test claim is patently false.

“This approach may be helpful in identifying persons with more serious lung disease, but it will not identify persons who are infected and have mild to no symptoms,” he said.

Another false myth being pedalled is that regularly drinking water can ward off the threat of catching the virus.

The World Health Organisation set the record straight on this one: “While staying hydrated by drinking water is important for overall health, it does not prevent coronavirus infection.”

Advice you should listen to

A key part of the government’s delay phase is to urge all UK citizens to abide by a series of measures to slow down the spread of the advice, a policy prescription called social distancing.

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A key part of this is to self-isolate at home for seven days if experience even mild symptoms of coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to Public Health England, the most common early warning signs of coronavirus (COVID-19) are:

• New continuous cough and/or
• High temperature

This action will help protect others in your community while you are infectious, explains the health body.

This will ease pressure on the National Health Service and buy precious time to develop a vaccine.

If you experience mild symptoms, you should also:

• Plan ahead and ask others for help to ensure that you can successfully stay at home
• Ask your employer, friends and family to help you get the things you need to Stay at home
• Stay at least two metres (about three steps) away from other people in your home if possible
• Sleep alone, if possible
• Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water
• Stay away from vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, as much as possible

As PHE explains, you do not need to call NHS 111, the online help service, if you go into self-isolation.

If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after seven days, contact NHS 111 online.

“If you have no internet access, call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999,” added the health body.

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