Claim reviews
Contrary to claims in viral social media posts, 2019 coronavirus was not lab-created nor was it patented years before outbreak
CLAIM
[The coronavirus is] “new” yet it was lab-created and patented in 2015
SOURCE: Chris Kirckof, Jordan Sather, Facebook, Twitter
Published: 24 Jan 2020
VERDICT
Colloidal silver does not treat infections when taken orally and can cause side effects
CLAIM
Colloidal silver is effective for any infection
SOURCE: Anonymous, The Natural Health Library
Published: 23 Jan 2020
VERDICT
Manuka honey possesses potent antibacterial activity, even against some antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but only via topical application, not consumption
CLAIM
Raw manuka honey kills every bacteria scientists throw at it, including antibiotic-resistant superbugs
SOURCE: Sara Burrows, Return to Now
Published: 18 Jan 2020
VERDICT
Claim by Robert F Kennedy Jr that one “vaccine injury” occurs for every 39 vaccinations is unsupported by scientific data
CLAIM
Vaccine Injuries Ratio: One for Every 39 Vaccines Administered
SOURCE: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Children's Health Defense
Published: 13 Jan 2020
VERDICT
Impossible Whopper contains no estrogen; will not lead to men growing breasts if eaten in moderation
CLAIM
The Impossible Whopper has 44 mg of estrogen and the whopper has 2.5 ng of estrogen
SOURCE: James Stanger, Tri-State Livestock News
Published: 10 Jan 2020
VERDICT
Triple antibiotic cream or gel cannot prevent the flu, may also worsen antibiotic resistance due to indiscriminate use
CLAIM
Swabbing nostrils with triple antibiotic cream or gel will prevent the flu
SOURCE: Facebook user, Facebook
Published: 09 Jan 2020
VERDICT
Claim that not all smokers develop lung discoloration ignores severe health risks linked to smoking
CLAIM
The black lung lie: It’s the widespread belief that smokers’ lungs turn black.
SOURCE: Frank Davis, cfrankdavis.wordpress.com
Published: 31 Dec 2019
VERDICT
The flu shot is safe for pregnant women, does not increase the risk of spontaneous abortion
CLAIM
4,250% increase in fetal deaths reported to VAERS after flu shot given to pregnant women
SOURCE: Christine England, Vactruth, Health Impact News
Published: 31 Dec 2019
VERDICT
HIV drug Truvada linked to kidney damage and bone density loss, but risks are low and usually outweighed by the drug’s benefits
CLAIM
You took Truvada to help protect against HIV, not increase your risk of kidney or bone problems.
SOURCE: Anonymous, A Case for Women
Published: 24 Dec 2019
VERDICT
Popular Facebook meme misleadingly suggests that the measles vaccine caused 2019 Samoa measles outbreak
CLAIM
Measles vaccine caused Samoa measles outbreak
SOURCE: Anonymous, Stop Mandatory Vaccination
Published: 13 Dec 2019
VERDICT