Search Results for coronavirus

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.

Global warming and the COVID-19 pandemic are unrelated issues: one will not protect us from the other

Some preliminary scientific publications report that SARS-CoV-2 may be less prevalent or less contagious in warm and humid climates. However global warming does not occur at a pace or magnitude that would prevent further SARS-CoV-2 propagation. In addition, scientists emphasize that virus propagation primarily depends on other factors such as existing immunity and there is currently no way to reliably predict the spread of COVID-19 on a warmer Earth.

No, the Shanghai government has not recommended intravenous vitamin C as a treatment for COVID-19

Intravenous high-dose vitamin C has been used to treat patients with COVID-19 in certain Chinese hospitals, but it has not been recommended by the Shanghai government as claimed. The OMNS article also cherry-picks the treatment’s potential benefits from two reports, leaving out the potential side effects, including nausea and kidney stones, and failing to mention contraindications for pregnant women and individuals with cancer and other medical conditions.