Coronavirus Australia: NSW health issues warning against self-medication

NSW Health has been forced to issue a stark warning over what some Aussies are doing, which could be more dangerous than the virus itself.

NSW Health has issued a warning to people not to “self-medicate” to treat coronavirus.

The agency issued a statement online saying it “is aware of people self-medicating to treat COVID-19 or using medications in an attempt to prevent COVID-19 disease.”

“There has already been one death reported overseas in someone who attempted to self-prescribe medicines. It’s dangerous to do this.”

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“At this time, there are no vaccines that protect against COVID-19 and no medications with approved indications to treat COVID-19.”

“NSW Health is constantly reviewing evidence and working with clinicians to provide the most appropriate care for people affected by COVID-19.”

The World Health Organisation has published a series of mythbusters on coronavirus including saying it cannot be carried by mosquitoes, killed by taking a hot bath or by snow.

It comes as Australia has introduced a host of new bans to prevent the spread of coronavirus including the closure of some non-essential businesses including tanning salons, beauticians and local facilities like swimming pools and playcentres.

Australia has recorded more than 2000 cases of the disease and on Tuesday, a woman in her 70s became the eighth person to die of the disease after being a passenger on the Ruby Princess.