As the coronavirus spreads through the world, so do the wild myths and theories about how to prevent and cure the illness.

The latest myth that is circulating on Twitter and among the WhatsApp conspiracy theorists, is the notion that heat, applied to the skin, or taking a hot bath will kill the virus. To be completely clear – this is not true.

Once a virus is in your body, it is down to your immune system to kill it off,’ explains Babylon Health Dr Claudia Pastides. ‘Hot baths and hot drinks won’t be able to reach or kill the virus because it lies within cells inside your body. Your body regulates its temperature very carefully and won’t allow it to raise much, despite hot drinks and baths. ‘The best way to kill the virus, if you may have come into contact with it on your skin, is by washing with soap and water or using hand sanitiser.’

It’s so important to have the right information at a time like this, so make sure you’re only checking verified sources before jumping on your WhatsApp groups.