With so much seemingly conflicting coronavirus information swirling around social media, and the internet more broadly, it can be hard to know what — or who — to trust.

But, it is probably safe to say medical advice from your real estate agent should not be the first port of call.

Key points: A letter downplaying COVID-19 was sent to thousands of Canberra residents

A letter downplaying COVID-19 was sent to thousands of Canberra residents It suggested vitamins and home remedies while calling the virus the "common cold"

It suggested vitamins and home remedies while calling the virus the "common cold" The real estate agent later retracted the letter, apologising for upsetting people

Medical authorities are urging the community to look to official health department websites, and their GPs, for information on how to protect themselves from COVID-19, and manage the virus should they contract it.

It comes after a seven-page document calling for more "common sense" in the medical approach to coronavirus was sent to landlords and tenants across the ACT, by their real estate agent.

Document claims coronavirus is 'common cold'

Maloney's Real Estate in Canberra sent the email to their clients this week, suggesting there was a lot of "hysteria" around, and the document could help by providing a "good understanding of the issues we face".

The document, authored by Canberra naturopath and immunobiologist Bill Giles, suggests the virus is simply "an everyday common cold virus".

The letter claimed to offer "common sense" about the coronavirus pandemic. ( Supplied )

"If you are not old (above 70 years of age) and do not have a compromised immune system, then you are not in any real danger — this is common sense," the letter read.

But president of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) in the ACT, Dr Antonio Di Dio, said the document offered false reassurance to the community.

"This is far from common sense, this is absolutely dangerous," he said.

"A simple review of the graph that is published every day on the state and federal government websites, and around the world, shows that some of the most dangerous cases are being covered by people under the age of 70.

"And there are deaths in people under the age of 70 — people need to be careful."

The document suggested a range of homeopathic medicines, vitamins — like vitamin C and magnesium — and a grain-free diet to protect against the virus.

It suggested brushing teeth, flossing and using a hydrogen-peroxide mouthwash "to destroy coronarviruses in your mouth", and rinsing with colloidal silver.

Once the virus hit, it suggested less than 10ml of brandy every three to four hours during the day, along with sleep and various other medicines and therapies.

A letter was sent out by Maloney's real estate agent, downplaying the effects of coronavirus. ( ABC News: Tom Lowrey )

Dr Di Dio said the suggestions might not do harm in and of themselves, but they could provide a false sense of security.

"I don't think there's enough evidence at all to suggest that it's going to do any good," he said.

"I don't want to disrespect or criticise any other person's manner of practicing however they choose to practice.

"But I do have the greatest concerns for someone who offers reassurance, when that reassurance is offered falsely."

The email from Maloney's was retracted within an hour, along with an apology noting "sending out medical information is not my role as a real estate agent, and it may contradict mainstream medical advice".

Peter Maloney did not want to offer any further comment when asked by the ABC.

'This pandemic is so important': Doctors urge community to look to official channels

When contacted by the ABC, Mr Giles said he was not a medical doctor, but had three degrees in science from the University of Queensland and Australian National University.

He said he had been a clinical biologist for more than three decades, specialising in immune-related illnesses.

And while the document included multiple false claims, it also suggested washing hands and avoiding other people — advice being given by health authorities to stop the spread of the virus.

When asked about the criticisms of his work, Mr Giles said the broader medical community was not providing enough advice to those concerned about the virus.

"I think these criticisms are coming from people who probably have 'conformation bias', and have not investigated/studied to any depth, anything outside their medical training/organisation," he said.

"Calling the suggestions in that blog 'absolutely dangerous' is incredibly narrow-minded."

But Dr Di Dio said the attitude taken by Mr Giles highlighted the problems medical authorities faced in trying to communicate the best possible information to an anxious public.

"I do urge all Australians, all Canberrans, to seek information from a trusted source — the Chief Health Officer, state and federal Chief Health Officers and chief authorities, their websites and your local GP," he said.

"Please, please, please look at all the responsible data and look at the recommendations that are evolving every single day from our trusted and senior health authorities," Dr Di Dio said.

"This pandemic is so important and so potentially serious."

Separating fact from the COVID-19 rumour mill

The trouble with sourcing the right information is further complicated when rumours swirl of looming announcements of total societal shutdowns, and a need to "stock up on supplies".

In the days leading up to this week's announcements on restrictions around mass gatherings, text messages with seemingly significant information were sent out, often attributed to high-level government sources.

"So heard from a speechwriter for sco-mo that they may be annoying (sic) a state of emergency either tonight or tomorrow," one read. "So if there is a time to do some panic buying it's now as the supermarkets are only going to get worse. "Not confirmed but the speech has been written!"

Other text messages sent by anonymous sources have warned of nationwide lockdowns, including by sending a copy of an announcement made by authorities in Malaysia earlier this week, incorrectly attributed to Australia.

"My husband just got a phone call from his cousin that is a dr at RPA and St Vincents," another read. "Just a heads up, this coming week the government is putting a lock down on schools and wants everyone to isolate indefinitely till there isn't many cases. "It's recommended to go buy all essentials ASAP. Only certain things will be left open…"

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has previously indicated a frustration with "gossip and nonsense" urging the community to listen to the facts, as communicated through proper channels.

When contacted about this issue, ACT Health instructed Canberrans to visit their website "for the best advice on how to best protect themselves and to reduce the spread of COVID-19".

"For general information on COVID-19 people can call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.

"For individual advice people should consult with their health practitioner."