Social media is full of misinformation and disinformation. An year later, I put down the top 10 misconceptions that I came across on these platforms. Last thread for 2020.

Virgins will bleed on their first day of intercourse because that's when their hymen breaks- This is not true. The hymen is a 'porous' thin layer. Some females are born without a hymen. The absence of a hymen does not indicate previous intercourse.

COVID19 is a hoax: Covid19 is not a hoax and millions of people have died been infected and are still in hospitals seeking care and recovery

High pH can kill the COVID19 virus: A bizarre forwarded message claimed that certain fruits with pH 15 can kill the virus. This is not true.

Steam inhalation kills the virus: No. The virus multiplies within the “cells” of the upper respiratory system. Trying to inhale steam for too long can only cause burns and injure you rather than killing the virus.

There are only two types of diabetes: Actually there are many types of diabetes. DM1, DM2, gestational diabetes, Maturity onset diabetes of the young(MODY), LADA, Neonatal diabetes, diabetes 3c to name few.

People who commit suicide are weak: The risk of suicide increases if the said person is suffering from mental illnesses, depression, isolation, substance abuse, alcoholism and had made previous suicide attempts. Suicides have nothing to do with the persons personality.

Burying the human bodies of deceased COVID19 virus can cause contamination transmitting the virus through water: There is no evidence to support this claim nor have their been any incidence of COVID cases caused by water contamination.

කොරොනා පැණි cures COVID: Immunity is a result of exposure and cell memory. At this point there is no cure for the disease. The mechanism of action of this concoction does not explain is to how it could cure a patient or provide them life long immunity to covid19.

COVID-19 vaccines contain microchips that can control you: The vaccine does not have microchips nor can they control you. They are safe and will prevent you to a very good extent from getting the disease.

There is no such thing as කිඹුලා බනිස්: its කොකොබනිස්! Happy new year!