Search Results for coronavirus

Baseless speculations underpin a retracted editorial claiming spontaneous generation of SARS-CoV-2 in skin cells exposed to 5G waves

The proposed mechanism of action described in the claim that 5G millimeter waves can generate SARS-CoV-2 in human cells violates fundamental principles of biology. Scientific evidence does not support a causal relationship between 5G and COVID-19. Many of the regions with the highest COVID-19 infection rates, such as Brazil, do not have 5G coverage, providing further evidence that 5G is not associated with the pandemic.

Sexual transmission of SARS-CoV-2 currently unconfirmed as studies produce conflicting evidence of its presence in the reproductive system

COVID-19 transmission occurs primarily through contact with respiratory droplets produced by infected individuals, but the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in body fluids such as semen has raised questions about alternative modes of transmission. Potential sexual transmission of the disease would necessitate amending current prevention protocols, so several studies have investigated whether the virus is present in the reproductive system. However, small sample sizes and poor study designs have produced contradictory results that do not provide sufficient evidence for determining whether infectious virus is present in the genitourinary tract and also what effects it might have on reproduction.

A trypsin-based oral spray reportedly deactivates SARS-CoV-2 in a liquid suspension but has not yet been tested in the mouth

Some studies suggest that trypsin-containing solutions may speed wound healing and can deactivate certain viruses in vitro, but only a few clinical studies have tested such solutions in humans. These studies demonstrate mild improvement of common cold symptoms caused by different coronaviruses. However, the mechanism of action of the sprays is still unclear and no in vivo data is available to support the hypothesis that trypsin-based sprays might also work against SARS-CoV-2 as implied in the video.

Scientific evidence supports the use of face masks for reducing the transmission of respiratory diseases including COVID-19

Face masks are safe to use and are not associated with oxygen deficiency. Although more research is needed to better establish the efficacy of face masks in reducing disease transmission and the mechanisms behind their efficacy, a growing evidence base indicates that face masks have a beneficial effect in reducing the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19. However, masks do not provide 100% protection and must also be combined with other transmission control measures such as physical distancing and good hand hygiene.

Primary COVID-19 transmission is by close contact with infected people; nasopharyngeal swab-based testing provides the highest diagnostic accuracy

Respiratory droplets are considered the main mode of COVID-19 transmission, which can be prevented by protective measures, including physical distancing, good ventilation, and the use of face masks. In parallel, diagnostic testing to identify and isolate infected individuals and their close contacts is a key strategy to slow the spreading of the disease. While alternative methods are under study, nasopharyngeal swab-based RT-PCR testing remains the most accurate and the gold standard method for COVID-19 diagnosis.

A proportion of COVID-19 survivors are likely to suffer from long-term health problems, but the actual risks are still unknown

COVID-19 infections can have multiple outcomes besides death and complete recovery. Although the vast majority of patients survive the infection, a significant proportion continue to suffer from potentially lifelong health problems, such as heart and lung damage and neurological deficits. Hence it is important to take transmission control measures seriously to minimize our risk of infection. However, there is currently not enough information to calculate with certainty the risks of developing the different sequelae of infection.

Infant deaths did not decrease during the pandemic due to a reduced use of vaccines; vaccines are not associated with sudden infant death syndrome

Vaccines are safe and scientific studies have found no association between vaccination and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Blaxill and Becker’s report is based on incomplete data, as they did not account for the lag time that occurs between a death and its reporting to the U.S. CDC. Their findings that child deaths have significantly decreased compared to previous years are therefore spurious and premature. The duo also failed to account for other factors which may have contributed to changes in child mortality, such as stay-at-home orders, which would have limited the spread of other infectious diseases besides COVID-19.

Despite a decline in COVID-19 deaths from a peak in Spring 2020, the number of deaths in July 2020 may not be as low as preliminary data suggest

Weekly deaths due to COVID-19 as reported by various sources have been steadily declining since their peak in April 2020. However, death reporting is a lengthy and complex process. It can take several weeks for deaths to be reported to the U.S. federal government and to reach a reliable estimate of the death count. In contrast, state-level estimates report higher, even increasing numbers of deaths for July 2020. It is thus impossible to draw conclusions on the COVID-19 death counts for very recent periods.

Saliva might be an accurate, less-invasive alternative to nasopharyngeal swabs for COVID-19 diagnosis; more research is needed to standardize its use in molecular testing

Due to its reliability and relative ease of specimen collection, the nasopharyngeal swab is considered the gold-standard procedure for collecting cells and secretions from the back of the throat for COVID-19 diagnostic testing. In contrast, the accuracy of less invasive testing of alternative specimens, such as saliva, is still under evaluation. Several laboratories have developed at-home kits for the collection of nasal mucus and saliva samples that are then shipped to a laboratory for analysis. However, specimen collection is a key step in clinical diagnosis, and experts have raised concerns about how potential flaws in at-home sample collection may impact the accuracy of these tests.

Nasal swab used for COVID-19 testing does not reach the brain

Nasal swabs are used to collect biological samples from the back of the nasopharynx in order to test for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The nasal swab has to be inserted far into the nasal cavity until it reaches the nasopharynx located behind it. The human brain is separated from the nasopharynx by several layers of hard tissue, including bone. It is therefore not possible for nasal swabs to reach the brain or the blood-brain barrier.