The WHO declared on May 5, 2023, that COVID-19 is no longer a health emergency. This decision was made based on data showing that infection and death rates have been going down for the past year and based on the fact that there is no current variant that we’re worried about worsening the impact of the virus. While the decision itself does not change anything for people on a day to day, it will likely prompt countries to make policy decisions that change things for people on a day to day, especially when it comes to support when it comes to testing and treating the COVID-19 virus. COVID-19 is not over. Millions of people are still getting sick from the virus, and about 3,500 people around the world are killed by the virus each week. There is a risk of the virus getting worse and becoming an emergency once again, which the WHO will continue to monitor for.

Overall, scientific data does not support the use of transdermal magnesium to prevent health conditions or to cure them, including conditions such as vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, and chlamydia. That being said, there is little to no known risk of using transdermal magnesium so long as it is not being used in place of oral magnesium in a case when magnesium supplementation is definitely needed.

No, there is no scientific evidence that magnetic underwear or any use of magnetism can enlarge a penis. Penis size is mostly determined by genetics, and there is no proven method of safely and effectively enlarging penis side except for a surgical procedure.

There is not enough evidence to conclude that any part of a chicken egg can help protect against COVID-19. This is true for regular eggs consumed on their own and for eggs with COVID-19 antibodies, which was studied in a lab.

The potential impact of onions on rheumatism depends on how the onions are prepared and used. There is no evidence that suggests putting raw onions on the soles of the feet is helpful in treating rheumatism, uric acid levels, or any other health condition. There is, however, research that suggests that consuming onions orally, especially red onions, can help to lower uric acid levels and, in turn, help with gout and potentially rheumatism,

Yes. While changing vaccine expiration dates can be confusing for both care providers and the public, vaccine expiration date extensions are normal and can actually be a very good thing. Extensions of vaccine expiration dates have nothing to do with the vaccine itself changing. Instead, the decision to extend a vaccine expiration (including The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s decision to extend the expiration date for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine) is based on studies analyzing the long-term stability of these vaccines.

No, there is no evidence or documentation that Japan has an investigation into COVID-19 vaccine-related deaths, nor is there any evidence of widespread deaths from the COVID-19 vaccine in Japan.

There is no evidence that drinking water with a meal negatively affects digestion. There is evidence that drinking water just before, during, or just after a meal can improve digestion as well as other health benefits such as weight loss.

No, there is no evidence that any WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines are linked to an increased risk of HIV/AIDS or a fake condition being called vaccine-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (VAIDS).

There is no evidence of COVID-19 vaccines being given to livestock anywhere in the world, nor are any COVID-19 vaccines approved to give to livestock. There are also no mRNA vaccines currently being used to vaccinate livestock or poultry. There are a number of vaccines regularly given the chicken and livestock being raised for consumption to combat a host of viruses. The two main kinds are Modified Living Vaccines and Non-Living Vaccines. These vaccines are both used to protect and promote cattle health and consumer health. There is a period called a withdrawal period that cattle and poultry farms must follow that requires that a specific amount of time must pass between an animal getting vaccinated and an animal being slaughtered for processing. This period ensures that no traces of vaccine or medication are present in meat. Without this period, there is empirical speculation that trace amounts of vaccine could be present in meat, but it is not likely and would not lead someone to be what we consider vaccinated. There is an experimental vaccine called an edible vaccine being studied using genetically modified plants. No edible vaccines are approved and would never be given unknowingly or without consent.

There is no scientific evidence that any supplements claiming to be made of deer placenta stem cells – such as “Purtier Placenta” – can alleviate or cure any disease or condition. In addition, it’s unlikely that any supplements, which are regulated as food and not medicines in most countries, even contain stem cells, which are typically highly regulated as medicines.

Most cases of diarrhea – whether from a virus or bacteria – don’t usually need to be treated with medicine. As a result, unless very severe, it is typically okay to not take medication when experiencing diarrhea. However, taking medicine on average will help the condition rather than worsen it. Loperamide (imodium) and Bismuth subsalicylate (also known as Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol) are the most forms of over the counter antidiarrheal medicines.

We do not yet have clear data on how infant mortality has (or has not) shifted among indigenous groups in the U.S., Canada, or other countries around the world since before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, data indicate that it is possible, if not likely, that the infant mortality rate among these groups increased during the pandemic.

Summary: There is currently no scientific evidence available that suggests that spike proteins created in our bodies from the COVID-19 vaccines are toxic or damaging to the human body, as is being claimed on some social platforms.

Some research so far has found very, very small amounts of vaccine mRNA in breastfeeding infants following their breastfeeding parent getting an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Other research has not detected any mRNA in this case. More research is needed, but overall vaccines are recommended for people who are breastfeeding. There is no established risk associated with getting an mRNA vaccine while breastfeeding for the baby or for the breastfeeding person.

Summary: Antisperm antibodies (ASAs) are proteins that can attack sperm and cause fertility problems. They are made by the body’s immune system and can be present in people of the male or female sex. ASAs are not believed to be common based on data. Much more research is needed on why some bodies develop ASAs, but it is likely due to a range of possible reasons. Importantly, the presence of ASAs in someone does not directly indicate that they have previously had sex.

In rare circumstances, COVID-19 mRNA vaccines can impact the vascular system. However, getting infected with COVID-19 puts someone at much higher risk of vascular problems than getting a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Many people who have had severe COVID-19 infections have gotten blood vessel injuries including blood clots, organ impairment, and other complications.

Summary: Hydroxychavicol, a major part of the betel leaf (piper betle), may have antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, more research is needed.

Summary: A “wall of immunity” or “immunity wall” is a broad term used to describe how well-protected a group of people are likely to be against a virus – in this case, the virus that causes COVID-19. An immunity wall isn’t a set amount of protection against COVID-19 that a population has, it’s a term that ecompasses all levels of population protection against COVID-19, even if that level of protection is low.

Summary: It’s possible that the monkeypox virus could be used in biological warfare. However, there is no evidence to suggest that current outbreaks of monkeypox are biological warfare or from a leak. Analyses of the genetic material we have from monkeypox cases in the current outbreak show that it is tied to an outbreak in West Africa, and is not manufactured.

Summary: Mosquitoes have been used as biological warfare and have the potential to be used as biological warfare in the future. However, this is somewhat unlikely for a range of logistical, ethical, and legal reasons.

There are many updates that the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made to its COVID-19 guidelines as of August 2022. Some of these updates include no longer recommending people to distance from one another inside, no longer requiring regular testing if in a low risk situation, and no longer requiring quarantine after a COVID-19 exposure if you have tested negative.

None of the three leading vaccine manufacturers (Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca) have reported data about the COVID-19 vaccine on knowingly pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. As a result, we have a limited understanding of how effective the three leading vaccines are for pregnant and breastfeeding people, and if there are specific risks.  Given this lack of data, some regulators and public health entities have not included pregnant people in their vaccine recommendations to the public with some specifically warning pregnant individuals against taking the vaccine. The WHO was one of these entities until Friday, January 29. Previously their guidance said that the vaccine was "currently not recommended" for pregnant women unless they are at high risk of exposure.  While their guidance, in practice, is still similar, recommending pregnant people with comorbidities or at high risk of exposure may be vaccinated in consult with doctors, they’ve directly noted that we “don’t have any specific reason to believe there will be specific risks that would outweigh the benefits of vaccination for pregnant women.” Until there is more data on COVID-19 vaccines and pregnancy, this trend of mixed guidance across different regulatory bodies and countries is likely to if and as vaccines continue to get approved.  Pregnant people who do receive a vaccine may be able to produce an immunity to the virus from the vaccine that can cross the placenta which would help keep the baby protected after birth. Regarding safety, however, when you receive an mRNA vaccine for COVID-19 you expel the mRNA particles from your body within days, so if pregnant it’s unlikely to cross the placenta and impact the baby. The process for collecting this data will involve analyzing the impacts of the vaccines on individuals who receive a vaccination and later discover that they’re pregnant. Countries are coordinating internal reporting and monitoring systems to record and track this information.  The clinical trials had some participants enrolled who didn’t know they were pregnant at the time of vaccination, but there were not enough of those cases to have enough data for definitive conclusions. For example, in Phase 2/3 of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine study, 23 pregnancies were reported through November 14, 2020. Twelve were in the vaccine group and 11 in the placebo group. Two adverse events occurred in pregnancies in the placebo group, including miscarriage. These initial data do not raise concern for lack of vaccine safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding, but more data is needed to safely recommend the use of this vaccine by pregnant and breastfeeding individuals. The U.S. FDA also recommended in June 2020 that the pharmaceutical companies developing COVID-19 vaccines first conduct developmental and reproductive toxicity (DART) studies of their vaccine before enrolling pregnant or breastfeeding people, or women not actively avoiding pregnancy, in their trials.  Pfizer and BioNTech have directly stated that they are conducting DART studies, which will provide us with more information on the safety and efficacy of their vaccine for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals. On December 13, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists released a position paper advocating for the inclusion of pregnant women in vaccine rollouts and not waiting for further data collection. While the group advocates for obtaining informed consent from pregnant and lactating women receiving the vaccine, they feel the benefits of protection outweigh the risks. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine support the use of new mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant and breastfeeding individuals when they become eligible for receiving the vaccine. As of January 26, 2021, the World Health Organization also supports pregnant and breastfeeding women receiving the Moderna mRNA vaccine if they choose. Before more data is available, it is best for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals to speak with their doctors about the best way to proceed. While it is unlikely that a doctor would recommend a pregnant or breastfeeding person get vaccinated before more data is available unless they were high risk, every risk profile is different and is worth discussing with a care provider.

Dengue viruses are spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes species. Dengue can cause a range of symptoms including high fever, rash, and muscle and joint pain. The first confirmed documented outbreak of dengue was in 1779 across Asia, North America, and Africa simultaneously, but it’s likely it was circulating as early as 1635. The dengue virus was isolated for the first time in 1943 in Japan. Dengue fever is most common in tropical areas.

Dengavaxia is considered to be a safe and effective vaccine for those who are at least 9 years old and have previously been infected with dengue, but not for those who have not yet been infected with dengue. The vaccine has been shown to increase the risk of hospitalization and severe dengue among those who got vaccinated before their natural infection. Dengavaxia has been approved for use by WHO among 9 to 45-year-olds and by the US FDA for 9-16 years old in endemic areas once they have been naturally infected.

Data suggest that the Omicron variant is likely to cause less severe infection than previous variants. However, Omicron can still cause severe disease, hospitalization, and death. In addition, Omicron is more infectious than other variants and has some subvariants that have the potential to evade immunity. Calling any variant of COVID-19 is misleading and an oversimplification.

Summary: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved vaccines for children as young as 6 months old, which are recommended by health bodies such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The two COVID-19 vaccines approved for children and teens are 1) the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (3 doses) and 2) the Moderna vaccine (2 doses).

The benefits of mammograms almost always outweigh the potential harms that come from radiation exposure. However, undergoing repeated mammogram screenings can potentially cause cancer.

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (RHS) is a rare complication of a very common virus known as the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) – the virus that is responsible for Chickenpox and Shingles. There have been a number of case reports of Shingles and RHS following COVID-19 vaccination. However, these are just reports. Research has not shown whether this reactivation is actually caused by the COVID-19 vaccines or just a coincidence. More research is needed. Current data show us that any unestablished potential risks of COVID-19 vaccines reactivating Shingles or RHS is outweighed by the established known benefits of COVID-19 vaccines.

Currently, scientific evidence does not support the claim that applying onions to a part of the body, such as feet, could cure illness. Scientific evidence also does not support the claim that cut onions can absorb viruses and bacteria in a room. Onions have many health benefits that have been scientifically studied and proven, but no studies have been conducted to support the above claims.

Across the world, food packaging labels are used to communicate important information to help consumers make informed decisions. However, they can be taken advantage of by marketers who practice “health-washing:” a tactic that conveys a false impression that the product is healthy for the benefit of making more money. The “real food” label is one example of an unregulated claim used for health-washing. Without an official definition of “healthy food” or “real food,” marketers can use the label “real food” as they want to and are not required to provide research to support the claim. Well-intended consumers may purchase a product thinking it is healthier without knowing whether the health claim is true or if it provides any substantial benefit to them.

Sudden Adult Death Syndrome is a rare event that occurs in adults whose hearts suddenly stop pumping.

Monkeypox is a disease caused by a virus that is mainly transmitted to humans from animals. Diseases that are transferred from animals to humans are called zoonotic diseases (or zoonosis). As a result, monkeypox is classified as a viral, zoonotic disease.  Transmission from animal to human happens when a human comes into contact with the blood, bodily fluids or skin of an infected animal. This could happen either by directly coming into contact with an infected wild animal, or indirectly if a domesticated animal is infected by a wild animal before coming into contact with a human. Another possible method of transmission could be humans unknowingly eating meat of infected animals that was not properly cooked.

COVID-19 is associated with changes in the brain structure, including shrinking, a decrease in gray matter, and a reduction in executive functioning – the part of the brain that helps you learn, work, and manage everyday life. It’s possible that these changes in the brain connected to COVID-19 are linked to symptoms of ‘brain fog.’

Paxlovid is an antiviral medication used to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 infections in non-hospitalized, high risk adults.

Summary: Misoprostol is a medication that is used to terminate pregnancies. It is most commonly used with another medication known as mifeprex to terminate pregnancies up to 70 days after the first day of a person’s last period. However, misoprostol is also safe and effective to use alone, typically administered vaginally at a dose of 800 micrograms up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Summary: There is currently no demonstrated link between monkeypox and the polio vaccine, or monkeypox and the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

People who have not been vaccinated are still being impacted with heart issues such as myocarditis, pericarditis, blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, and other ailments just as they were before the pandemic began. However, COVID-19 increases the risk of blood clots and many other health issues dramatically. People who have not been vaccinated against the virus face much higher risks of severe symptoms from an infection than those who have been fully vaccinated.

Recent studies suggest that mix-and-matching vaccines for a booster is safe and effective, and could even potentially enhance immunity. One can also mix shots for a first dose depending on the vaccines available. The World Health Organization (WHO) stance is that you should take whichever WHO-approved vaccine is made available to you first, and that it is safe and effective to mix-and-match different WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines.

Evusheld is a pre-exposure prophylaxis (preventative) combination of drugs manufactured by AstraZeneca, designed to prevent COVID-19 infection in vulnerable and immunocompromised people. It is the first pre-exposure prophylaxis approved for COVID-19 – meaning that it is taken before a COVID-19 exposure to prevent infection. Evusheld has been granted emergency use authorization (EUA) in a number of countries, including Canada, the U.S., and 6 countries in Europe. It is specifically available for immunocompromised people over 12 years old and 40 kilograms (88 pounds). Evusheld is not an appropriate substitute for COVID-19 vaccination in those for whom vaccination is recommended. 

Current research shows that immunity lasts at least about 6 months for mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (the Pfizer vaccine and the Moderna vaccine). Some researchers estimate that immunity against COVID-19 following vaccination will last longer, but because the virus is so new, experts are not sure if protection might wane. More research is needed to better understand how long people will likely be protected after vaccination and how it might vary across different individuals and across different vaccines.

The evidence around COVID-19 and immunity is rapidly evolving. Based on what we know so far, people infected with COVID-19 become immune (protected from reinfection) for somewhere between 2 - 8 months depending on a range of factors including vaccination status, vaccine received, the variant the person was infected with, viral load, etc. – with immunity likely waning after the second or third month. 

Exhaled carbon dioxide caused by the use of face masks, including the N95 mask, has not been shown to cause carbon dioxide toxicity or lack of adequate oxygen in healthy people. Because the masks we make and purchase, and even the airtight medical masks listed above, are designed for constant breathing, the risks of any side effects are low. Again, for people diagnosed with illnesses such as COPD, emphysema, and obesity, and in heavy smokers, the consistent use of N95-like masks over long periods of time could cause some build-up of carbon dioxide levels in the body. If people in this group are experiencing these side effects, they should speak to their doctor.

Parabens are synthetic chemicals used as preservatives in beverages, foods, drugs, and cosmetics. The safety of parabens is controversial. While they protect people from developing illnesses caused by harmful bacteria and mold in contaminated products, they have been associated with carcinogenicity (being cancer-causing), endocrine disruption, and reproductive toxicity in cell and animal studies. At this time, there is not enough data that show parabens to cause adverse effects to human health and they are generally recognized as safe.s

COVID-19 variants have mutated in ways that make them different from the original strain of the virus, and from each other. These changes can cause some variants to spread more or less easily and can cause more or less severe symptoms that present differently. How contagious a variant is isn’t necessarily connected to the types or severity of symptoms. Overall, there is significant overlap in symptoms across variants, and vaccinated people are less likely to experience severe symptoms than unvaccinated people. Research is ongoing to understand the differences in symptoms by variant and why symptoms differ.

Throat swabs are not as commonly used for COVID-19 testing because 1) current data shows they have lower sensitivity than nasopharyngeal swabs, nasal swabs, and saliva tests, and 2) because throat swabs shouldn’t be done and at home which makes it less convenient and less scalable than anterior nasal swabs.

Several countries have recently rolled out programs to offer a second COVID-19 booster shot to their most vulnerable populations: older people and those with compromised immune systems. However, many scientists are conflicted about this guidance as recent findings about the effectiveness of a second booster shot are mixed, and there are concerns of second shots worsening vaccine inequity and furthering spread of the virus globally.

The BA.2 variant is a subvariant of the very contagious omicron variant, and is becoming more dominant across many parts of the world. Currently, what we know is that BA.2 is likely a little more infectious than BA.1 (the earliest omicron subvariant to be detected), is a likely better at evading immunity than BA.1, and does not cause more severe disease than BA.1. There are a combination of factors leading to surges in some parts of the world right now including 1) BA.2 and its high level of infectiousness, 2) loosening of restrictions, and 3) waning immunity.

Case reports of squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common form of skin cancer, have been associated with the use of skin lightening products containing hydroquinone (a depigmenting agent). Due to conflicting results, hydroquinones are not classified as carcinogens (agents with the capacity to cause cancer in humans). However, evidence is building that connects hydroquinone to possible DNA damage and responses that suppress the immune response. At this time, more research is needed to clarify the relationship between hydroquinone and the risk of developing skin cancer.

TB can develop a resistance to the antibiotics that are normally used to cure TB infections over time. This can happen when 1) people do not follow their strict medication regimens for a whole course of treatment, and 2) when MDR-TB transmits from person to person. Treating MDR-TB is challenging, costly, and requires a disciplined routine, which is not always possible for many people.

There is no Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) vaccine currently available to prevent HIV or treat people who have the virus. There are several reasons why the production of HIV vaccines are taking longer than ones for other viruses such as SARS-COV-2. Namely, HIV is a more difficult organism to make a vaccine against.

There is currently no evidence supporting the idea that antiperspirant use is linked to the development of breast cancer.

Vaccine-acquired immunodeficiency or VAIDS is not a known medical condition and there is no evidence to prove that COVID-19 vaccines or their booster shots cause immunodeficiency disorders.

There is no evidence that vaccines are a source of new COVID-19 variants, or that vaccinated people are more likely to infect others with COVID-19 variants.

If an unvaccinated child is infected with COVID-19, including the Omicron variant, they are not very likely to get a serious case of COVID-19. However, they are more likely to get a serious case of COVID-19 than an unvaccinated child. Data is still emerging on if Omicron puts a child at higher risk of a severe case, but early research shows it may be more mild among kids than Delta.

While holding your breath without coughing during an at-home lung test might give you some very basic indication about your lungs' capacity, these tests are not accurate or reliable indicators about your overall lung health or a COVID-19 infection.

There is currently no scientific evidence that the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines by Pfizer or Moderna lead to neurodegenerative diseases.

Covid-19 cases currently include infections of unvaccinated individuals, as well as vaccinated individuals (known as breakthrough infection or breakthrough disease). Breakthrough infections are not a surprise, since no vaccine is 100% protective against Covid-19, however vaccinated people are much less likely to get infected, spread disease, and have severe outcomes compared to unvaccinated individuals. 

Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are synthetic drugs available only by medical prescription. Social media posts claiming that hydroxychloroquine can be made at home using citrus peels are false. Quinine sulfate is a natural compound similar to chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine that is found in cinchona bark, an ingredient in tonic water. While tonic water can be made at home using citrus and store bought cinchona powder, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine can only be produced by highly trained chemists.

Early research suggests that COVID-19 antibodies (blood proteins produced by the body's immune system when it detects harmful substances) can be transferred to infants through the placenta during pregnancy and through breast milk after the baby is born. However, exact estimates on how many antibodies are transferred and if there’s better transfer of antibodies after natural infection (getting sick from COVID-19) versus after COVID-19 vaccination, requires further research.

At this time, there is no evidence to discourage use of fluoride in toothpaste to prevent pineal calcification. Topical fluoride treatment is critical for preventing tooth decay and subsequent infections. More research is needed to understand what causes pineal calcification.

Masks can have different levels of effectiveness for different variants of COVID-19. While masks are crucial for protecting against any variant of COVID-19, including Omicron, some variants that are more transmissible may have a higher chance of getting through masks because it’s easier to be infected by that variant, which makes certain masks less effective compared to other variants that are less transmissible.

Baking Soda is not proven to be effective at preventing or curing COVID-19. Authorized vaccines against COVID-19 that have undergone clinical trials are the only preventative option, in addition to some recently authorized treatment pills, that are known so far to reduce the severity of illness and deaths due to COVID-19.

Data is clear that people who are vaccinated, overall, are less likely to test positive for COVID-19 regardless of the variant, compared to people who are unvaccinated. People who are vaccinated and infected, however, are more likely to be infected with Omicron than other variants compared to people who are unvaccinated and infected.

Symptoms cannot be used to differentiate between the Omicron and Delta variants. Most symptoms from infection by the SARS-CoV-2 variants overlap. The definitive way to distinguish variants of SARS-CoV-2 is through a laboratory method called genomic sequencing that is used for public health surveillance to understand the emergence and spread of variants of a virus. 

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the respiratory system. People with asthma are generally considered to have a higher risk of developing respiratory infections, like influenza. However, it is unclear whether having asthma increases the risk of developing the COVID-19 respiratory infection. 

There is currently no cure for COVID-19. Researchers are currently studying what impacts, if any, Viagra and nitric oxide have against the virus.

Donated breast milk is pasteurized to kill any harmful bacteria or viruses. The most common form of breast milk pasteurization is Holder Pasteurization (HoP). While HoP is effective at removing harmful bacteria from breast milk, there is also evidence that it can lead to a loss of some proteins that help babies’ immune systems. Overall, research shows that pros of HoP outweigh any cons and that the majority of beneficial nutrients are retained.

COVID-19 symptoms vary from person to person, and so does the time it takes for the symptoms to appear. In general, it may take between two to 14 days after exposure to the coronavirus for symptoms to appear. Symptom onset also depends on the variant to which one is exposed.

Whether through vaccination or prior infection, the human immune system can become stronger with repeated exposure to a pathogen and has the ability to remember familiar infections. This happens through what are known as “B cells” of the immune system. These cells can recall previous infections and generate antibodies in response to the new infection. Importantly, this response is not guaranteed. The immunity resulting from both vaccination and infection changes over time, and can change based on which variant causes the infection, how long the virus remains in someone’s body, their age, the vaccine they received and their general health. 

“Flurona” is a term popularized by media to describe the condition of being infected with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza at the same time. It is not a new COVID-19 variant, and it is not a separate disease. A person is considered to be co-infected when they are diagnosed with two or more infections at the same time. The presence of multiple diseases in the same person has been observed before, for example, during the 1957 and 1968 influenza pandemics. A similar term, superinfection, is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an infection that is acquired after diagnosis of another infection, especially when caused by antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. The primary difference between co-infection and superinfection is the timing of the second infection.

Currently, there is no established causal link that connects mRNA COVID-19 vaccines to blindness or other eye problems. However, there are a number of case reports of blindness and other ocular side effects (eye problems) that have raised concerns among side effects and that are being researched to better understand if there is a causal link or not; it’s possible that there is but there have not been enough reports in reporting systems or studies to determine whether these side effects are due to the vaccines or due to coincidence.

Prescription medications are the primary treatment method for parasites in human bodies.

Reinfection with COVID-19 is possible and is much more likely to occur among unvaccinated people. Reactivation is different from reinfection. Reactivation occurs when a person who appears to have recovered from a virus still has small amounts of dormant virus in their body that becomes active again and can reactivate symptoms. Viral shedding is also separate from the two. Viral shedding is when the cells in your body that host the infection release virus particles that are then “shed” into the environment. These can be infectious or not infectious, but both can result in a positive COVID-19 test.

There is no evidence that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines cause or are associated with increased risks for miscarriages.

The Omicron variant is a new, likely highly transmissible COVID-19 variant with many mutations. It was first detected in South Africa in November 2021 and later that month was deemed a Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.

Excess mortality accounts for all deaths that wouldn't normally occur due to some circumstance like COVID-19. Excess mortality measurements are clearer than total mortality due to a circumstance because they account for differences in how deaths are calculated and when, how capable health systems are of handling enlarged case loads due to COVID-19, how deaths are reported in different regional health systems, how deaths related to the circumstance is defined, and more.

Recent research published in the New England Journal of Medicine, and conducted in Scotland examined the protective effect of vaccination against COVID-19 found that vaccination was 90% effective in preventing death. This study is the first of its kind to be conducted across the entire country to examine how effective the vaccines are in preventing death from COVID-19. The majority of cases studied were infected with the Delta variant. Researchers reported that vaccination with the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was 91%, and 90% effective in preventing deaths, respectively, among people who have received two doses of each vaccine. 

There are two main types of face coverings to prevent COVID-19 and other diseases: 1) face masks (such as surgical masks and cloth masks), and 2) respirators (such as KN95s and N95s). All masks offer protection against COVID-19 both for the wearer and those around the wearer. Studies show that N95s offer the best protection followed by surgical masks and then cloth masks, but this can vary based on factors such as fit and length of wear.

Vitiligo is not contagious or life threatening condition. It is, however, considered a life-altering condition as it affects the appearance of an individual over time and makes them vulnerable to social and cultural stigma in different parts of the world. Vitiligo is also generally considered to be an autoimmune disorder and can put an individual at risk of other complications such as other autoimmune diseases and higher risk of sunburns or skin cancer.

How often a person is able to donate blood depends on which country they live in and their national standards.

COVID-19 vaccines are not impacted by the large majority of prescription and over-the-counter medications people may take, even people over the age of 60. However, certain medications might impact how effective the vaccines can be be in people who take them regularly. Immunosuppressive medications and other medications that affect the immune system—including chemotherapy and steroids like prednisone—may decrease the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. The vast majority of prescription medications do not affect the immune system.

Published data on phase 1 and phase 2 clinical trials reports that the most common side-effect of the Sinovac vaccine is pain at the site of the injection, which is also common with other available COVID-19 vaccines. According to the World Health Organization’s information on the safety of this vaccine, this is the only side-effect that is related to the vaccine with certainty. Other mild side effects have been reported such as headache, fatigue and muscle pain, which resolved after two days, and researchers noted that they occurred in both the study group that took the vaccine, as well as the group that took the placebo (did not receive the vaccine for comparison). The studies also reported a lower chance of developing fever as a side-effect of this vaccine when compared to other COVID-19 vaccines. 

Several recent studies have reached similar conclusions around transmission of COVID-19 among vaccinated individuals: 1. Individuals who are fully vaccinated transmit the virus less than those who are partially vaccinated (received one dose only) and unvaccinated individuals have the highest risk of transmission. 2. Vaccines are less effective against preventing transmission of the Delta variant, when compared to other variants of COVID-19.  Vaccines can reduce transmission by preventing infections and reducing the amount of infectious virus in someone’s body if they do get sick. However, the exact rate of transmission among vaccinated individuals (though it is rare) is still uncertain. A lot of cases of infection in vaccinated people do not progress to symptomatic disease, making it harder to know who is sick and collect data on how contagious they may be. 

Intelligence can be attributed to the overall effect of a multitude of genes passed down from parents, as well as the socio-economic environment in which one grows up. Genetic research indicates that about half of the differences in intelligence can be attributed to differences in our genetics, but intelligence is also dependent on external factors. The environment, socio-economic, and health conditions can play a big role in our intelligence.

This use of tromethamine in approved COVID-19 vaccines is safe. There is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines with tromethamine cause serious adverse health effects. There is also no evidence that tromethamine was added to “stabilize patients” from any negative health effects of the COVID-19 vaccines. Instead, pharmaceutical companies have repeatedly stated that tromethamine is used to stabilize the vaccine itself and lengthen the time doses can be kept in storage.

COVID-19 vaccines do not impact development, puberty, or fertility in teenagers or children. It is not possible for the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines made by Pfizer or Moderna to interfere with a child's genetics. Like other childhood vaccines, these new immunizations will not impact puberty or fertility in teenagers.

According to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention, antibody tests should not be generally used for diagnosing a COVID-19 infection, because the body can take up to three weeks to produce antibodies in response to a new infection. For this reason, the presence of antibodies is a good measure of protection and is generally not reliable for diagnosis. 

An Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a long-acting reversible birth control that is inserted and removed into the uterus by medical professionals. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) does not recommend that individuals remove IUDs themselves. Sometimes people may try to remove the IUD themselves to avoid the cost of visiting a physician, or if an appointment with a doctor is not available. The overall recommendation on self-removal of an IUD is mixed. Many people on social media are sharing their experiences of removing their own IUD and believe that doing so provides them with autonomy over birth control and reduces barriers to the use of IUDs, while several OB/GYNs strongly advise against doing so for safety reasons. Please consult your doctor for individual advice.

Unlike some medications, height and weight are not very important when considering vaccine dosages against COVID-19. The dosage for COVID-19 vaccines are based on age, not size. Children aged 5-11 receive 10 microgram injections three weeks apart. Kids 12-17 and older get 30 microgram dosages three weeks apart. Children still produce very robust immune system responses with smaller dosages.

Scientists are still gathering data to better understand how COVID-19 vaccines last in both young people and older adults. For people over 16, current data suggests that COVID-19 vaccine protection can last at least 6 to 8 months. This is based on studies conducted by Moderna, Pfizer and BioNTech, and Johnson & Johnson as well as other pre-print and peer-reviewed research publications. Since clinical trials have found that the vaccines work similarly in adults and children aged 5-11, it is possible that vaccine-induced immunity may last for a similar amount of time in those groups.

According to the United States National Institutes of Health (U.S. NIH), gene therapy is "...[A]n experimental technique that uses genes to treat or prevent disease. In the future, this technique may allow doctors to treat a disorder by inserting a gene into a patient’s cells instead of using drugs or surgery."

Children and teenagers are recommended to receive any COVID-19 vaccine allowed for emergency use as soon as it is available to them. Globally, the Pfizer vaccine has been deemed safe for children aged 12 years and older. COVID-19 vaccines are not yet available to children under 12 years old as safety trials for this population are underway.

There is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines can cause or are linked to increased risks of cancer. There are also no data that support a recent surge in cancers since the COVID-19 vaccination rollout began in late 2020. (It should be noted that most data for cancer incidence for 2021 has not yet been tallied). Most scientists have seen a decrease in cancer incidences as it is estimated that at least 20% of people have had to delay medical care and treatment, such as testing for cancerous maladies.

Low-doses of aspirin taken before the need for hospital admission due to COVID-19 might have a role in preventing COVID-19 complications, especially arterial thrombosis (a blood clot in an artery) and mechanical ventilation in both hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients. However, research on the association between aspirin and COVID-19 is limited, and so far has only been carried out through observational studies which can only show associations, not causal relationships. As a result, more research, particularly randomized control trials which are designed to test causal relationships, are needed to understand the relationship between aspirin and COVID-19 outcomes.

The blood of people who have received a COVID-19 vaccine is not visibly darker than the blood of vaccinated people.

There is no evidence suggesting that increased male libido (i.e. sex drive) is a common side effect from approved COVID-19 vaccines. Similarly, there is no evidence suggesting that the approved COVID-19 vaccines lead to decreased male libido or fertility. Common side effects include pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, joint and muscle pain, which have the potential to temporarily decrease libido while the vaccine recipient recovers from minor side effects.

We are still learning a lot about what kind of immunity a person has after being infected with COVID-19, and how long that immunity lasts. A a small number of people have reportedly become reinfected with virus following an initial infection and research is ongoing. According to the US Centers fo Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "reinfection means a person was infected (got sick) once, recovered, and then later became infected again. Based on what we know from similar viruses, some reinfections are expected. We are still learning more about COVID-19." In a press conference on December 4th, 2020, the World Health Organization acknowledged emerging evidence that suggests that COVID-19 immunity is unlikely to be lifelong, which suggests reinfection may be possible. The most reliable way to measure immunity to COVID-19 is unclear, and, whether from infection or vaccination, scientists still do not know how long immunity to COVID-19 may last. Though reinfection has been documented, there are many ongoing questions about whether or not reinfection poses an ongoing risk, how common it is, and what kind of immunity to the virus people might obtain once they have been infected. Currently researchers believe that most people will be protected from reinfection for up to six months following infection, but research is ongoing. There are multiple pre-print studies with large participant groups that suggest immunity does last for up to six months but decreases over time. Antibodies decrease more quickly in young adults who have had an asymptomatic infection. Pre-print studies have also suggested that reinfection is possible. It is important to note that there is a shortage of peer-reviewed papers (so other scientific experts are not yet able to rigorously study the data or full results). It is also important to note that antibody levels may not be a strong indicator of immunity against the virus and likelihood of reinfection. To prevent infection, reinfection, and spread of COVID-19, experts recommend frequent hand washing, social distancing (6 feet/2 meters apart), avoidance of crowded areas (especially indoors), wearing a face mask (though the U.S. CDC now suggests wearing a cloth mask over a surgical mask or a high grade respirator), and staying home when you are sick or know that you have been exposed to COVID-19.

Evidence of the Molnupiravir's safety and effectiveness was strong enough for the independent board of medical experts monitoring the study to recommend that the clinical trials be stopped early, before enrolling and studying all of the 1,550 intended participants, enabling the drug to proceed with regulatory approval processes. In contrast, there is currently no evidence that Ivermectin is effective against COVID-19, including a large study showing no benefit compared to a placebo and another flawed study being withdrawn from a pre-print platform.

In clinical trials of a drug or vaccine, the control receives either a placebo or an active control, which is a safe and effective approved treatment. Placebo is the gold standard, but sometimes an active control is needed due to ethical concerns or to reduce bias in a study.