Following President Donald Trump’s speculation that disinfectants and sunlight could be used inside the body to combat coronavirus, Wareham Pediatrics is warning the public that disinfectants are dangerous and should never be used in the body.

“While the pandemic has certainly caused a tremendous amount of anxiety, and while we understand how sometimes people might feel totally helpless during times like this, it is important that we not use dangerous measures to prevent or to treat infections” said Steve Mendes, MD, one of the pediatricians at Wareham Pediatrics.

Another pediatrician, Jason Reynolds, MD, said “if people have any questions about whether or not their child is ill with COVID-19 they should call their pediatrician.  And as far as preventing infection, maintaining that social distance of at least 6 feet from people is very helpful, as is washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.”

The doctors said that disinfectants should only be used as directed on the label, and should not be used on people, taken internally, or injected. The practice noted that there have been an increased number of calls to poison control so far this year, and that numbers have sky-rocketed since Trump’s comments.