• Published on: Apr 20, 2020
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

COVID-19 MYTHBUSTER

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MYTHBUSTER

There are many rumours, theories and suggestions that are being spread on Facebook, WhatsApp and social media. Most of these have no truth to them, do not work as treatment, or can be dangerous to your health. They use language that makes them sound scientific, and usually claim to come from a reputable institute, medical journal or doctor. Many people will automatically trust this, without questioning whether the legitimacy of the advice given. We have covered the dangers of these social media posts in our blog: https://www.secondmedic.com/blogs/the-dangers-of-social-media-blind-forwards secondmedic blog

Here we will go over some common myths about COVID-19 and Coronavirus that you will encounter. If you have come across any new myths or theories, or you want to check something you have read or been sent, email us at info@secondmedic.com

5G mobile networks DO NOT spread COVID-19

This is a myth that has been spreading recently, claiming that the new 5G towers being erected are spreading COVID-19. This is not true and there is no scientific evidence to support this.

Coronavirus spreads on small droplets that are coughed up by infected people. It is possible to prove this by looking at these droplets under an electron microscope. 5G networks use radio waves to operate, similar to 4G networks and other mobile network technologies. Radio waves cannot carry or transmit viral particles.

Another theory is that 5G radio waves cause damage to the human body. Radio waves have very little energy and pass through the human body without causing any harm. They have less energy than sunlight, and we are exposed to sunlight daily without harm.

People are claiming that 5G and coronavirus arrived at the same time, and so must be connected. Simply linking two things together does not mean one causes another. 5G technology does not exist in many countries with COVID-19, and yet some of these countries have been hit harder than well developed countries.

Destroying masts because of this conspiracy theory is harmful, as these masts carry mobile network signals that allow people to phone in emergencies, and for emergency responders to communicate with hospitals, fire stations and the police. Destroying these masts can cause serious harm to others.

Coronavirus WAS NOT developed in a laboratory as a weapon by China/Russia/US

Multiple reputable labs and universities across the world have analysed the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, and have determined there is no evidence it was produced by humans. It is very similar to pre-existing coronaviruses that have caused the SARS and MERS pandemics. Conspiracy theories such as these are being used to shift the blame to others and gain political points in the news, rather than focus on what is important – preventing the spread of the virus and treating those that are ill.

Holding your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing DOES NOT prove you are free of COVID-19

One popular test that has spread on WhatsApp states you can see whether you have COVID-19 with one simple test. If you can hold your breath for more than 10 seconds without coughing or feeling any discomfort, you do not have COVID-19 and are safe. It says that COVID-19 causes fibrosis in your lungs and this can stop you from holding your breath. There is no evidence supporting this theory.

Many people who have had COVID-19 can hold their breath for 10 seconds, and many people who are virus free are unable to hold their breath. The only way to determine if you have had the virus is through a nose or throat swab to check for the virus. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, dry cough, feeling tired, shortness of breath), you should assume you have the virus and isolate yourself.

Drinking alcohol DOES NOT protect you against COVID-19

Alcohol is a disinfectant. Washing your hands with alcohol based hand gels can destroy the bacteria. However drinking alcohol is not the same. When you drink alcohol it is processed by your body to release energy, and it loses its disinfectant properties. Drinking too much alcohol can cause alcohol poisoning and damage your liver.

Hundreds of people have died as a result of drinking methanol, a dangerous form of alcohol.

Spraying alcohol over your body will kill any virus that is on your skin. But you should only use alcohol based hand gels, as they have the right amount of alcohol that does not harm your skin. Alcohol based gels will not cure COVID, as the virus causing the symptoms is in your lungs, not your skin.

Drinking bleach DOES NOT protect you against COVID-19. IT CAN KILL YOU

Just like alcohol, disinfectants and bleach can kill the virus if sprayed onto a surface that has the virus. But drinking them is highly dangerous and can be lethal. If ingested bleach will destroy your stomach just like it destroys the virus, and it will continue to destroy your body depending on how much is ingested.

DO NOT DRINK BLEACH.

Similarly do not spray disinfectant or bleach on your skin. It is  highly irritating and can cause a lot of damage, especially if it gets in your eyes, nose or mouth.

Dr Rajan Choudhary, UK, Chief Product Officer, Second Medic Inc

www.secondmedic.com

Read Blog
Corporate Health Checkup Packages India: How SecondMedic Is Transforming Workplace Wellness

Corporate Health Checkup Packages India: How SecondMedic Is Transforming Workplace Wellness

A healthy workforce isn’t just an HR benefit - it’s a strategic business asset.
With rising lifestyle diseases, stress, and sedentary habits, companies in India are increasingly prioritizing corporate health checkup packages to protect employee well-being and boost workplace productivity.

According to FICCI-EY (2024), companies that invest in preventive health programs see:

  • 27% reduction in sick leaves

  • 22% boost in workforce productivity

  • 35–40% lower long-term hospitalization costs
     

As organizations embrace digital transformation, SecondMedic has emerged as a leading provider of AI-driven, preventive corporate health solutions across India.

 

The Growing Need for Corporate Health Checkups in India

Modern workplaces face rising incidences of:

  • Hypertension

  • Obesity

  • Diabetes

  • High cholesterol

  • Mental stress

  • Vitamin deficiencies
     

The ICMR 2024 Study shows that 60% of corporate employees in India fall into “high-risk” for lifestyle diseases due to long working hours and low physical activity.

Preventive screenings are no longer optional - they are essential.

 

What Are Corporate Health Checkup Packages?

Corporate health packages are structured preventive medical programs covering:

  • Vital body parameters

  • Blood tests

  • Lifestyle disease markers

  • Heart and organ health

  • Stress & mental well-being

  • Doctor consultations
     

SecondMedic makes these programs smarter through AI health analytics and digital records.

 

Why Companies Choose SecondMedic

AI-Enabled Health Risk Profiling

SecondMedic uses predictive algorithms to identify high-risk employees early.

Nationwide Coverage

On-site screening camps and home sample collection across all major Indian cities.

Digital Health Dashboards

HR teams receive anonymized workforce health insights.

Personalized Care for Employees

Nutrition, stress management, fitness plans, and specialist consultations.

Compliance & Data Security

ABDM-grade privacy and encrypted health records.

 

What’s Included in SecondMedic’s Corporate Health Packages?

A typical package includes:

1. Blood Investigations

  • Complete Blood Count

  • Fasting & Postprandial Blood Sugar

  • Lipid Profile

  • Thyroid Panel

  • Liver & Kidney Function Tests

  • Vitamin D & B12
     

2. Cardiac & Organ Exams

  • Resting ECG

  • Blood Pressure & Pulse

  • BMI & Body Composition Analysis
     

 3. Mental Well-Being Assessment

Stress and sleep quality screening.

4. Doctor Consultation

A physician reviews reports and recommends action steps.

5. AI-Based Health Report

Predictive insights on metabolic, cardiac, and lifestyle risks.

6. Nutrition & Wellness Coaching

Condition-based diet and fitness guidance.

SecondMedic customizes plans based on company size, employee demographics, and industry.

 

On-Site Corporate Health Camps

SecondMedic conducts professional, fully equipped health camps at office locations, including:

  • Sample collection booths

  • Doctor screening stations

  • Body composition testing

  • Mental well-being kiosks

  • Instant digital report linking to an employee’s profile
     

This ensures convenience and high participation rates.

 

Remote & Work-From-Home Employee Support

SecondMedic also covers remote teams through:

  • Home sample collection

  • Telemedicine consultations

  • Digital health reports

  • App-based wellness tracking
     

Perfect for hybrid and distributed workforces.

 

Benefits for Employers

Early Risk Detection

Identify diabetes, hypertension, and heart risks before they escalate.

Lower Healthcare Costs

Reduced insurance claims and hospitalization.

Higher Productivity

Healthy employees perform better and take fewer sick days.

Improved Workplace Culture

Employees appreciate care-driven corporate policies.

Data-Driven HR Decisions

AI dashboards help companies plan annual wellness budgets intelligently.

 

Benefits for Employees

  • Know their health risks early

  • Receive expert medical guidance

  • Access personalized diet/fitness plans

  • Better energy, sleep, and work performance

  • Convenient checkups without taking leave

 

Corporate Wellness Market in India: Growth Trends

As per IMARC Group (2025):

  • Corporate wellness market in India will reach USD 3.1 billion by 2028

  • 62% of Indian companies plan to increase their wellness budgets

  • Preventive diagnostics and mental health are top priorities
     

SecondMedic’s technology-first wellness programs align perfectly with these industry trends.

 

AI in Corporate Healthcare: The SecondMedic Advantage

SecondMedic integrates AI across the corporate wellness lifecycle:

  • Workforce risk scoring

  • Lifestyle disease prediction

  • Personalized intervention mapping

  • Remote monitoring

  • Automated follow-ups
     

AI converts employee health data into actionable insights for HR and leadership teams.

 

Challenges in Corporate Wellness - And How SecondMedic Solves Them

Challenge

Solution by SecondMedic

Low participation

On-site camps + flexible timings

Scattered employee locations

Home sample collection nationwide

Generic plans

Personalized diet/fitness programs

Data privacy concerns

ABDM-compliant encryption

Poor follow-ups

Automated reminders + AI alerts

 

Conclusion

Healthy employees are an investment, not an expense.
SecondMedic’s Corporate Health Checkup Packages offer organizations a powerful blend of diagnostics, AI analytics, and preventive care - helping build a stronger, more resilient workforce.

Whether you’re a startup or a large enterprise, SecondMedic brings world-class corporate healthcare directly to your team.

Book your Corporate Health Checkup Package at www.secondmedic.com

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