"Prevention is better than cure", is a proverb we have all come across at some point or the other in our lifetime. And as we live through the pandemic, it becomes more relevant with each passing day.

Though at the beginning of the year 2021, with the arrival of the vaccine, it was expected that Covid-19 would become history, we are almost where we first started. Locked inside our houses as the cases rise again. It is not something anyone would like to reminisce. Waiting every week, to know what Prime Minister Modi has to say. Days turned into weeks and weeks into months - as we sat for the lockdown to end.

But as the country's caseload increases, especially in the state of Maharashtra, it is necessary we relearn what the last year has taught us. Be it home remedies, or precautions -- it is time we understand what does and does not work against Covid-19. Because, as I mentioned earlier, prevention is better than cure.

Here's what Harvard School of Public Health and World Health Organisations suggest:

Antibiotics prevent or treat COVID-19?

Antibiotics do not work against viruses, they essentially work against bacteria. Covid-19 is a virus, and hence antibiotics cannot be used to prevent the virus from entering our body. If the antibiotics are doctor prescribed, then the doctor is treating some infection that may be present in your body. But unless prescribed by a doctor, do not believe that antibiotics can prevent you from Covid-19.

Cold weather or lower temperatures/ humid weather, high temperatures kill the virus?

The world has had enough examples that the virus lives through various temperatures. The western countries saw a resurgence of cases amid extreme cold temperatures, while India is seeing a surge in cases during the hot seasons. Additionally, a normal person's body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C (97.7°F to 98.6°F), irrespective of the temperature or weather outside. Hence, the weather conditions do not have an effect on the virus.

Spraying alcohol or chlorine over your body will kill the virus?

The virus will affect you once it enters your body, to kill the virus on the surface, it is recommended to keep washing your hands and maintain hygiene. Spraying alcohol or chlorine over your body can have harmful effects on your eyes, mouths or open wounds. These substances can be used to clean surfaces.

Do home remedies for flu and common cold help against Covid-19?

There is no evidence that home remedies help against the virus. However, home remedies are concentrated on eating healthy foods, which might help improve the overall health of your body. But, this does not suggest that they can help against coronavirus.

Drinking warm water, or direct sunlight can kill the virus?

No medical or clinical evidence suggests that the virus doesn't survive high temperatures. Warm water and sunlight may help hydrate the body and gain vitamin D, but may not essentially kill the virus.

Can dryers kill coronavirus?

Any kind of dryers will not protect you from the virus. Instead, attention should be focused on maintaining hygienic condition, avoiding outside contact and wearing masks at all times.

Do mosquitos spread Covid-19?

Though mosquitos may be responsible for spreading malaria and dengue, there is no evidence that they also transmit Covid-19. However, to stay safe from the other two mosquitos should be discouraged in the house. The coronavirus spreads through droplets of an infected person. If you come in contact with these droplets, there are chances of you catching the virus. Hence it is important to avoid close contact with people in general.

How to protect yourself against Covid-19?

The only proven way to protect yourself against the virus is to wear a mask at all times and avoid public contact at all times. Wash your hands regularly and take a vaccine as early as possible.

It is also important to remember that with the increasing caseload, there are possibilities of increased restrictions to b put in place. To control the spread of the virus, it is important to first protect yourself.