Claim reviews
Online posts encouraging the use of Vicks VapoRub inside the vagina are unsubstantiated and dangerous
CLAIM
Applying Vicks VapoRub to the vagina “stops bladder leaks”, removes parasites
SOURCE: Social media users, Facebook
Published: 17 Oct 2024
VERDICT
Viral claim by Dr. Sebi misleads on the effects of cortisol in the body, recommends unproven moringa supplement to lower cortisol levels
CLAIM
Moringa supplements lower cortisol levels, improve overall health
SOURCE: Alfredo Bowman, Facebook
Published: 15 Oct 2024
VERDICT
Onions don’t cure RSV; limited evidence to suggest that tryptophan improves sleep quality
CLAIM
Onions can help you sleep at night and cure RSV
SOURCE: Esther Candace Brubaker, Facebook
Published: 11 Oct 2024
VERDICT
Claim that flu is “natural healing process” overlooks flu-related hospitalizations and deaths
CLAIM
Flu is the body “healing itself”, the flu vaccine removes that “natural healing process”
SOURCE: Facebook user, Facebook
Published: 11 Oct 2024
VERDICT
Peter McCullough’s claim that COVID-19 vaccines might have caused rise in sudden deaths relies on flawed analysis
CLAIM
COVID-19 vaccine myocarditis is common and linked to sudden death
SOURCE: Peter McCullough, Facebook
Published: 09 Oct 2024
VERDICT
Tattoos do carry some health risks, but there is currently insufficient evidence for the claim that tattoo ink causes cancer
CLAIM
Tattoo ink contains heavy metals that cause cancer; a zeolite cure can remove these heavy metals from the body
SOURCE: Danica Walker, Instagram
Published: 04 Oct 2024
VERDICT
Only certified medical devices should be used to measure blood pressure, not unvalidated apps promoted on social media
CLAIM
Blood pressure tracking apps can replace a cuff
SOURCE: Facebook User, Facebook
Published: 04 Oct 2024
VERDICT
Decline in autism among high-income white households not caused by a decrease in childhood vaccination, vaccines don’t cause autism
CLAIM
Autism and vaccination decreased over the same time period among high-income white households from California, indicating a possible causal relationship
SOURCE: Toby Rogers, Children’s Health Defense
Published: 03 Oct 2024
VERDICT
Studies show flu vaccine reduces risk of flu-related illness and hospitalization; benefits of flu vaccine outweigh its risks
CLAIM
Flu shots don’t work, increase your risk of getting the flu, damage your immunity and nervous system
SOURCE: Raymond Francis, Silicon Valley Health Institute
Published: 26 Sep 2024
VERDICT
LED lights aren’t a cause of cataracts and don’t cause migraines for most people, contrary to social media claims
CLAIM
LEDs cause headaches and migraines; LEDs are the major cause of cataracts
SOURCE: Matt Roeske, Facebook
Published: 21 Sep 2024
VERDICT