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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Tamara Davison

Coronavirus: GMB's Dr Hilary debunks 'nonsense' hacks from drinking water to holding breath

Dr Hilary Jones, 66, has explained several coronavirus hacks are "nonsense" and will not stop people from contracting the virus.

Answering viewer questions during Good Morning Britain today, the GP revealed rumours citing drinking water and holding your breath as preventative measures are untrue.

Presenter Ben Shepard read a question from a viewer, asking the medical specialist if there was any truth in the theory that drinking water in 15 minutes would take the virus from the throat down to the stomach where the bacteria are killed off.

Dr Hilary shut down the "silly rumour" with confidence.

He said: Absolutely none whatsoever. There are all sorts of silly rumours going around that by doing that the acid in your stomach will kill it off - it’s not a bacteria anyway.

"This is a virus that lives in the nose and throat."

The practitioner, who frequently appears on the ITV show to provide a professional medical insight, went on to slam several other rumours that are circulating the country.

Dr Hilary Jones was responding to questions from viewers about coronavirus (ITV)

He went on: "Other silly things like ‘if you can hold your breath for ten seconds it’s not coronavirus if you don’t cough’... absolute nonsense.”

Another myth that Hilary fervently shutdown was the theory that people who have coronavirus can be identified because they lose their sense of taste and smell.

The doctor added: "It’s been reported as a late stage symptom so it’s not at all helpful even if it’s true and even the common cold makes you lose your sense of taste and smell."

Dr Hilary slammed some theories as 'nonsense' (ITV)

Although presenter Kate Garraway noted that it’s not a ‘bad thing’ to drink water, Dr Hilary got to the point with his message.

“It’s no bad thing, but it’s not going to protect you against coronavirus,” he pointed out.

As of yesterday, there were 3269 confirmed cases of coronavirus within the UK of which 144 patients have since died.

According to the World Health Organisation, the best way to prevent the virus is to wash your hands, avoid touching your face and practice social distancing.

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