Search Results for covid-19

Published research from the Wuhan Institute of Virology didn’t describe artificially created monkeypox strains; the research is unrelated to the 2022 monkeypox outbreak

Researchers from the Wuhan Institute of Virology synthesized a genetic sequence representing less than a third of the whole monkeypox genome. Their work did not recreate an entire virus. The genome sequence they used is from a virus belonging to the Congo Basin monkeypox clade, whereas the 2022 monkeypox outbreak involves a monkeypox virus from the West Africa clade. The published research is thus unrelated to the outbreak.

The CGG CGG genetic sequence and furin cleavage sites also exist in naturally-occurring viruses; these features aren’t evidence of genetic manipulation

The CGG CGG genetic sequence is rare in the SARS-CoV-2 genome, but it can be readily found in nature, in many other genomes. SARS-CoV-2 possesses molecular features, such as a furin cleavage site in its spike protein, which enhance its disease-causing ability. This site is also present in other coronaviruses. The most likely hypothesis so far is that SARS-CoV-2 acquired these molecular traits through spontaneous exchange of genetic material with other viruses.

No evidence that SARS-CoV-2 was engineered in a laboratory, contrary to claim by Li-Meng Yan

Claims that the virus SARS-CoV-2 was engineered in a laboratory haven’t been substantiated by evidence. The virus’ genome and evolutionary trajectory are consistent with those of naturally-occurring viruses. Based on the scientific evidence so far, the consensus held by experts is that the virus most likely emerged naturally, by evolving in animals before later jumping to humans (zoonosis).

Claim that squalene in vaccines causes autoimmune diseases and Gulf War Syndrome is unsubstantiated by evidence

Squalene is a naturally-occurring compound that is present in animals and plants, including the human body. Squalene is produced in our liver and is important for making hormones and other substances in the body. It’s also an ingredient in certain vaccines, like the H5N1 flu vaccine, and acts as an adjuvant. Adjuvants enhance the body’s immune response to a vaccine, making the vaccine more effective. There’s no evidence that squalene in vaccines is unsafe.

Shedding light on LinkedIn’s enforcement of health misinformation policies: A pilot study

Summary of findings The career- and business-oriented social media platform LinkedIn has been absent from the public conversation around the topic of health misinformation, as compared to more informal platforms like Facebook and Twitter. While LinkedIn’s policies state that it prohibits “content directly contradicting guidance from leading global health organizations and public health authorities”, anecdotal … Continued

Vaccine-induced immunity is more reliable and safer than natural immunity; Fauci’s remarks in 2004 interview misinterpreted in social media posts

While infection can generate immunity, it’s less predictable and riskier compared to vaccination. Vaccine-induced immunity is reliable, robust, and carries fewer risks than infection, making it the safer choice. Both COVID-19 and the flu share many similarities. For example, they’re both respiratory illnesses that exhibit similar symptoms. However, they’re also different in important ways. For instance, COVID-19 has a higher mortality rate and is more likely to result in complications compared to the flu.

Claim that the antiviral drug remdesivir is killing people is baseless

The antiviral drug remdesivir was approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of COVID-19 in October 2020. Approval came after randomized clinical trials found that remdesivir decreased the recovery time of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. These same trials also found that remdesivir did not increase the risk of death in study participants who received remdesivir compared to those who received the placebo. Claims that remdesivir is lethal are baseless.

Children under six are at a much higher risk of hepatitis B-related complications than adults; vaccination is very safe and effective at preventing infection and disease

Hepatitis B represents a major global health problem that poses a particular threat to infants and children under six. These populations have a much higher risk of developing chronic infections and complications such as cirrhosis, cancer, and even death. However, safe and effective vaccines are available as part of the recommended childhood immunization schedules. Vaccination has greatly reduced the rate of new cases per year and the development of chronic infection in young children from perinatal or early childhood exposure to the virus.

Study brings new, but not conclusive, evidence on the comparative effectiveness of infection-induced and vaccine-induced immunity

Both infection and vaccination against COVID-19 provide protection against SARS-CoV-2 reinfection, thanks in part to specific antibodies able to neutralize the virus’ infectivity. Data indicates that vaccination offers more consistent protection at a lower risk than infection. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend vaccination for all, including recovered patients. New data by Rössner et al. suggests that Omicron infection is unlikely to generate potent protection against other variants, although more data are required to assess the relative effectiveness of infection-induced and vaccination-induced immunity.