Search Results for coronavirus

Claim that SARS-CoV-2 binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells unsupported and implausible

The claim that COVID-19 causes hypoxia because the causative virus binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells is unsupported. Firstly, no scientific evidence demonstrates that SARS-CoV-2 can enter red blood cells. Secondly, the claim that the virus binds to hemoglobin is founded on the conclusions of a single pre-print, which solely involves computational analysis, without experimental verification or peer review. The mechanism proposed is also inconsistent with clinical evidence from COVID-19 patients.

Some evidence suggests that vitamin C and D supplementation might prevent or treat respiratory infections, but their effectiveness is still being tested with COVID-19

Although no public health agencies have recommended vitamins C or D as standard COVID-19 treatments, both have demonstrated some ability to shorten the length of respiratory infections by boosting the strength of the immune system. Vitamin D has also demonstrated the ability to reduce the risk of respiratory infection, especially in individuals who are vitamin D deficient. Many in the scientific and medical communities are recommending vitamin D supplementation or getting at least 15 minutes of sun exposure a day to prevent deficiencies.

Conspiracy theorists claim that 5G increases vulnerability to COVID-19 with baseless theory that it affects hemoglobin

Wireless communications use electromagnetic waves to transfer data. Electromagnetic waves carry energy that is proportional to their frequency and can interact with biological tissues. However, the energy level and the penetration depth of the type of waves used for 5G do not allow them to alter the structure and function of important biological macromolecules such as hemoglobin. In addition, there is no correlation between the very limited 5G coverage in the world and the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 vaccine candidate by Pittsburgh scientists show promising results in animal studies, but clinical trials still needed before efficacy in humans is known

Scientists who reviewed this article’s scientific credibility found that the reporting was generally accurate. However, they also highlighted a missed opportunity to provide readers with more information to place the research findings in context. Ian Frazer, immunologist and professor at the University of Queensland, pointed out that the article “assumes that an immune response in mice would equate to protection of humans against viral infection, but there are many examples where that is not the case”.

Viral video mixes truth about COVID-19 with a long list of ineffective treatments and preventions

Numerous claims circulating on social media tout untested diagnostic methods, preventions, treatments, and cures for COVID-19. While many of these are not harmful by themselves, they could potentially induce a false sense of security that causes individuals to ignore basic, tested precautionary measures such as frequent handwashing, disinfecting surfaces, avoiding touching the face, social distancing, and self-isolation when sick, which have all proven effective in slowing the spread of the pandemic.

Infectious diseases are caused by pathogens, not an unbalanced, acidic cellular environment

For more than a hundred years, scientists have accumulated scientific evidence supporting the notion that diseases are caused by pathogenic elements: “germs” such as bacteria or viruses can cause infection and gene mutations can cause genetic diseases or cancers. This scientific framework allowed for medical innovations such as antivirals, antibiotics and genetic tests. Alternative hypotheses, such as the terrain hypothesis, have been formulated but no data has been brought forth to support it.

Gargling salt water or vinegar may soothe a sore throat, but it will not eliminate COVID-19

There is no evidence to suggest that gargling salt water or vinegar, or partaking in many other home remedies, fight SARS-CoV-2 infection. Upon entering the body, the virus attaches to and enters cells in the airway where it takes over the cells’ machinery, producing more viral particles that spread to other cells. Because the virus hides out in the body’s own cells, it can not be targeted without also killing healthy, uninfected cells. Therefore, fighting viral infections relies on the body’s immune response.

The virus that causes COVID-19 can survive on solid surfaces for days, but infection risk from contaminated objects is unknown

People may become infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, when they touch contaminated surfaces and transfer the virus to their eyes, nose, or mouth. However, it is not known how often this is likely to occur and there is no evidence that it is spreading quickly in this manner. Therefore, proper handwashing and cleaning surfaces with soap or other common disinfectants are effective ways to reduce the risk of contracting the virus from surfaces.