DISINFO: Zinc could help kill coronavirus
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coronavirus

DISINFO: Zinc could help kill coronavirus

SUMMARY

Food products that contain large amounts of zinc are necessary to activate the so-called killer cells in the body, these cells are tasked with killing other cells infected with the virus (coronavirus).

RESPONSE

There is no medical evidence to support the claim that zinc could help against catching the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

Zinc is a nutrient that helps your immune system fight off infection. Too much of zinc is toxic and may cause copper deficiency, anaemia and damage to the nervous system.

While common colds can be a result of a coronavirus, they're usually caused by a rhinovirus. Rhinoviruses are family of viruses that are associated with upper respiratory tract infections.

Thus, zinc can be helpful in warding off symptoms of illnesses usually caused by rhinoviruses. But, that doesn't necessarily mean that zinc is effective against COVID-19 -- in fact, no studies have been performed testing a link between the two.

According to the “European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control”, the best way to protect yourself is “to avoid touching your face with unwashed hands”, The World Health Organization’s advice on limiting the risk of infection includes coughing and sneezing into a tissue and avoiding close contact with anyone who has fever and cough.

Read more case related to Coronavirus disinfo here.

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Cases in the EUvsDisinfo database focus on messages in the international information space that are identified as providing a partial, distorted, or false depiction of reality and spread key pro-Kremlin messages. This does not necessarily imply, however, that a given outlet is linked to the Kremlin or editorially pro-Kremlin, or that it has intentionally sought to disinform. EUvsDisinfo publications do not represent an official EU position, as the information and opinions expressed are based on media reporting and analysis of the East Stratcom Task Force.

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