3 ms·
How many of these preliminary "X might confer protection against Covid-19" stories are likely to pan out? I've seen them now for the MMR vaccine, zinc, vitamin
by Analemma_ 7y ago
How many of these preliminary "X might confer protection against Covid-19" stories are likely to pan out? I've seen them now for the MMR vaccine, zinc, vitamin D, ACE inhibitors, and probably a half-dozen other things. To be honest, I think there's so much noise here (most people are asymptomatic or get mild cases) that I wouldn't really trust any signal without a massive sample size.
- spuz 7y agoIt's perfectly fine to propose topics for further study. Just don't go taking every vitamin and supplement that is in the news unless you are aware of the potential risks.
- pmiller2 7y agoI agree, but would also like to add that MMR, vitamin D, and zinc lozenges are all very safe when taken as directed. Unless you have a specific medical contraindication, the potential harms of these products are very small compared to the benefits.
- raverbashing 7y agoThis. This is what we should be looking into. As well as wearing a mask. I believe that the WHO is (except for their very legitimate concern about panic buying) wrong in not pushing for these measures. Which, from an epidemiological point of view, make a lot of sense. If taking Vit D can make the mortality, let's say, even 10% lower in the most (would be) critical cases, it is definitely worth it. Wearing a mask reduces R. Even if it's a crappy mask, the value of R will be reduced. Heck I believe a lot of countries would be in a less critical position if people would just wash their hands or use sanitizer. Sure, not everybody can have the MMR or the BCG vaccine right now, so it might be better to wait a bit more.