jpd459/healthver_resplit_larger huggingface dataset:
Claim: clinical trials are needed to determine if endogenously created vitamin D could be effective for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19
Question: Does Vitamin D impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: A principal defence against uncontrolled inflammation, and against viral infection in general, is provided by T regulatory lymphocytes (Tregs). Treg levels have been reported to be low in many COVID-19 patients and can be increased by vitamin D supplementation. Low vitamin D levels have been associated with an increase in inflammatory cytokines and a significantly increased risk of pneumonia and viral upper respiratory tract infections. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increase in thrombotic episodes, which are frequently observed in COVID-19. Vitamin D deficiency has been found to occur more frequently in patients with obesity and diabetes. These conditions are reported to carry a higher mortality in COVID-19. If vitamin D does in fact reduce the severity of COVID-19 in regard to pneumonia/ARDS, inflammation, inflammatory cytokines and thrombosis, it is our opinion that supplements would offer a relatively easy option to decrease the impact of the pandemic.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: it's also important to have a strong immune system that can fight back against the germs you may encounter.
Question: Does having a weakened immune system increase your risk of illness from COVID-19?
Evidence: This review evaluates whether pregnancy is a risk factor for COVID-19 by looking at the expression of immune markers such as immune cells and cytokines in order to have a better understanding on the pathophysiology of the disease, thus reducing maternal deaths.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: it is safe take Advil to bring down your temperature caused by covid-19
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence: There are clearly COVID-19 cases where NSAIDs should not be used, but there is no strong evidence that NSAIDs must be avoided in all patients with COVID-19;
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Unexpected Cause of Death in Younger COVID-19 Patients is Related to Blood Clotting
Question: how do people die from the coronavirus?
Evidence: Compared to the recovered group, more patients in the death group exhibited characteristics of advanced age, pre-existing comorbidities, dyspnea, oxygen saturation decrease, increased WBC count, decreased lymphocytes, and elevated CRP levels.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: There's been much speculation about whether vitamin D might prevent or help survival with COVID-19, and two new studies appear to underscore the link.
Question: Does Vitamin D impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: testing positive for COVID-19 was associated with increasing age(RR(age<50)=1.05,p<0.021;RR(age[]50)=1.02,p<0.064)), non-white race(RR=2.54,p<0.01) and being likely vitamin D deficient (deficient/treatment-not-increased:RR=1.77,p<0.02) as compared to likely vitamin D sufficient(not-deficient/treatment-not-decreased), with predicted COVID-19 rates in the vitamin D deficient group of 21.6%(95%CI[14.0%-29.2%] ) versus 12.2%(95%CI[8.9%-15.4%]) in the vitamin D sufficient group.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Will Garlic Water Cure Coronavirus? No
Question: Does garlic protect against covid-19
Evidence: In conclusion, Allium sativum may be an acceptable preventive measure against COVID-19 infection to boost immune system cells and to repress the production and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines as well as an adipose tissue derived hormone leptin having the proinflammatory nature.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: masks are effective in limiting spread of COVID-19
Question: How much impact do masks have on preventing the spread of the COVID-19?
Evidence: We recommend immediate mask wearing recommendations, official guidelines for correct use, and awareness campaigns to shift masking mindsets away from pure self-protection, towards aspirational goals of responsibly protecting one's community.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Cats may be able to spread coronavirus to humans despite showing no symptoms
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19 to people?
Evidence: There are now many reports of SARS-CoV-2 positive cases in dogs, cats, tigers, lion, and minks.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: In one study it was found that 100% of ICU COVID-19 patients less than 75 years old had vitamin D insufficiency.
Question: Does Vitamin D impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: Several studies demonstrated the role of vitamin D in reducing the risk of acute viral respiratory tract infections and pneumonia. These include direct inhibition with viral replication or with anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory ways. In the meta-analysis, vitamin D supplementation has been shown as safe and effective against acute respiratory tract infections. Thus, people who are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency during this global pandemic should consider taking vitamin D supplements to maintain the circulating 25(OH)D in the optimal levels (75-125nmol/L).
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Evidence is currently lacking and it is too early to make robust conclusions on any link between use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II type-I receptor blockers with risk or severity of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection.
Question: are patients taking Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE) inhibitors at increased risk for COVID-19?
Evidence: The present study has found that the use of ACE inh/ARBs therapy might be associated with an increased in-hospital mortality in patients who were diagnosed with Covid-19 pneumonia.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: diabetes significantly increases coronavirus sufferers risk of dying
Question: what kinds of complications related to COVID-19 are associated with diabetes
Evidence: Type 2 diabetic patients were more susceptible to COVID-19 than overall population, which might be associated with hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Cloth face coverings are most likely to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus when they are widely used by people in public settings
Question: what are the best masks for preventing infection by Covid-19?
Evidence: However, masks alone may not greatly slow down the COVID-19 pandemic unless they are coupled with adequate social distancing, diligent hand hygiene, and other proven preventive measures.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: the mechanism behind the protective effects of smoking could be found in nicotine
Question: Can smoking help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: Future research is needed to establish the mechanisms involved in each comorbidity and the apparent "protective" effect of cigarette smoking.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Several people, including the US president, have suggested that the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and the disease it causes, COVID-19, will go away on its own in the warmer weather that will come.
Question: how does the coronavirus respond to changes in the weather
Evidence: Results indicated that temperatures had a negative linear relationship with the number of confirmed cases.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Smoking is a risk factor for COVID-19 patients, but one particular substance in cigarettes - nicotine - might prevent infection in some people, or improve COVID-19 prognosis
Question: Can smoking help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: Statistical surveys of COVID-19 patients indicate, against all common logic, that people who smoke are less prone to the infection and/or exhibit less severe respiratory symptoms than non-smokers.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: The Weather Network - Wildfire smoke could worsen COVID-19
Question: how does the coronavirus respond to changes in the weather
Evidence: These results provide evidence for the relationship between several weather variables and the spread of COVID-19. However, the (conservatively) estimated relationships are not strong enough to seasonally control the epidemic in most locations.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: covid-19 isn't a risk for young people
Question: what are the mortality rates overall and in specific populations
Evidence: As COVID-19 mortality occurs mainly in elderly and as Africa has a comparably young population, the death rates should be lower than on other continents. We calculated standardised mortality ratios (SMR) using age-specific case fatality rates for COVID-19 and the age structure of the population of Africa and of other continents. Compared to a European or Northern American population, the standardised mortality ratio was only 0.22 and 0.25, respectively, corresponding to reduction of deaths rates to a quarter. Compared to the Asian and Latin American & Caribbean population, the SMR was 0.43 and 0.44, respectively, corresponding to half the death rate for Africa.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Hand washing with soap and water and scrubbing for at least 20 seconds is recommended, but a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is the best alternative
Question: what hand sanitizers kill COVID-19?
Evidence: By extrapolating effectiveness of hand sanitizers on viruses of similar structure to SARS-CoV-2, this virus should be effectively inactivated with current hand hygiene products
Verdict: Supports
Claim: the mechanism behind the protective effects of smoking could be found in nicotine
Question: Can smoking help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: Active smoking was associated with decreased odds of Covid-19.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: to reduce the spread of the virus: try to stay at least 2 metres (3 steps) away from anyone you do not live with (or anyone not in your support bubble); wash your hands with soap and water often - do this for at least 20 seconds; use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available; wash your hands as soon as you get home; cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
Question: has social distancing had an impact on slowing the spread of COVID-19?
Evidence: The decentralized strategy is insufficient when used alone, but offers the best results when combined with the centralized one. Indeed, the (C+D) is the most efficient isolation strategy at mitigating the network superspreaders and reducing the highest node degrees to less than 10% of their initial values.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: the risk of pets spreading Covid-19 to humans is considered 'medium'
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is now a pandemic threat. This virus is supposed to be spread by human to human transmission.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: For most patients, COVID-19 begins and ends in their lungs, because like the flu, coronaviruses are respiratory diseases
Question: will SARS-CoV2 infected people develop immunity?
Evidence: The number of these epitopes and the prevalence of the common coronaviruses suggest that a large part of the world population has some degree of specific immunity against SARS-CoV-2 already, even without having been infected by that virus.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: COVID-19 and kids: What can happen when children get the coronavirus. A rare but sometimes deadly syndrome poses extra risk for COVID's youngest victims.
Question: Can children get COVID-19?
Evidence: Children accounted for a small fraction of COVID19 cases and mostly had social contacts with peers or parents, rather than older people at risk of severe disease.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: there is no link between vitamin D concentrations and risk of COVID-19 infection.
Question: Does Vitamin D impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: Several studies demonstrated the role of vitamin D in reducing the risk of acute viral respiratory tract infections and pneumonia. These include direct inhibition with viral replication or with anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory ways. In the meta-analysis, vitamin D supplementation has been shown as safe and effective against acute respiratory tract infections. Thus, people who are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency during this global pandemic should consider taking vitamin D supplements to maintain the circulating 25(OH)D in the optimal levels (75-125nmol/L).
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Vitamin D Supplementation Could Reduce Risk of Influenza and COVID-19 Infections and Deaths
Question: Does Vitamin D impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: A significant negative correlation (p=0.033) has been observed between mean vitamin D levels and COVID-19 cases per one million population in European countries.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Vitamin B could help prevent the 'worst outcomes' in covid-19 cases
Question: Does Vitamin C impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: Dietary supplementation has not been linked to COVID-19 prevention. However, supplementation with vitamins C and D, as well as with zinc and selenium, was highlighted as potentially beneficial for individuals with, or at risk of, respiratory viral infections or for those in whom nutrient deficiency is detected.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Drugs widely used to treat high blood pressure appear to make COVID-19 dangerously worse.
Question: are patients taking Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE) inhibitors at increased risk for COVID-19?
Evidence: This has led to the hypothesis that use of ACEIs and ARBs may increase the risk of developing severe COVID-19.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: covid-19 isn't a risk for young people
Question: what are the mortality rates overall and in specific populations
Evidence:  The COVID-19 population-level mortality rate (per 100,000 person-years) increased with age: from 0.1 deaths among 30-39 year olds to 9.5 deaths among 80 year olds.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Can Nicotine Patches Help You Avoid COVID-19? The short answer is YES
Question: Can smoking help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: Smoking has complicated effects on the immune system involving both up and down regulation, any of which might alone or in concert antagonize progression of COVID-19.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Will Garlic Water Cure Coronavirus? No
Question: Does garlic protect against covid-19
Evidence: Hoaxes (such as eating garlic or citrus to prevent COVID-19) were detected in 15 videos (10.9%).
Verdict: Supports
Claim: As the novel coronavirus sweeps the globe, those with high blood pressure are at heightened risk for more severe complications should they contract Covid-19
Question: what kinds of complications related to COVID-19 are associated with hypertension?
Evidence: hypertension may be an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality in patients with COVID-19. Patients who previously used RAAS inhibitors may have a better prognosis.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: there is no scientific evidence establishing a link between ibuprofen and worsening of covid-19
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence: In this cohort of COVID-19 patients, Ibuprofen use was not associated with worse clinical outcomes, compared to paracetamol or no antipyretic.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: There's been much speculation about whether vitamin D might prevent or help survival with COVID-19, and two new studies appear to underscore the link.
Question: Does Vitamin D impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: A principal defence against uncontrolled inflammation, and against viral infection in general, is provided by T regulatory lymphocytes (Tregs). Treg levels have been reported to be low in many COVID-19 patients and can be increased by vitamin D supplementation. Low vitamin D levels have been associated with an increase in inflammatory cytokines and a significantly increased risk of pneumonia and viral upper respiratory tract infections. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increase in thrombotic episodes, which are frequently observed in COVID-19. Vitamin D deficiency has been found to occur more frequently in patients with obesity and diabetes. These conditions are reported to carry a higher mortality in COVID-19. If vitamin D does in fact reduce the severity of COVID-19 in regard to pneumonia/ARDS, inflammation, inflammatory cytokines and thrombosis, it is our opinion that supplements would offer a relatively easy option to decrease the impact of the pandemic.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Only an N95 mask will help me from getting covid-19.
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: Surgical face masks significantly reduced detection of influenza virus RNA in respiratory droplets and coronavirus RNA in aerosols, with a trend toward reduced detection of coronavirus RNA in respiratory droplets.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Get this checked by your doctor and use the correct dose to stay healthy. Get this checked by your doctor and use the correct dose to stay healthy.
Question: Does Vitamin D impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: A significant negative correlation (p=0.033) has been observed between mean vitamin D levels and COVID-19 cases per one million population in European countries.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: if you are low risk (healthy, young), you do not need social distancing.
Question: has social distancing had an impact on slowing the spread of COVID-19?
Evidence: social distancing and have seen slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: If Fever Helps Fight Infection, Should I Avoid Fever-Reducing Drugs
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence: When compared with exclusive paracetamol users, no differences were observed in mortality rates or the need for respiratory support among patients using ibuprofen.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Scientists are endeavoring to find antivirals specific to the virus. Several drugs such as chloroquine, arbidol, remdesivir, and favipiravir are currently undergoing clinical studies to test their efficacy and safety in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China; some promising results have been achieved thus far.
Question: Are there any antiviral drugs to treat the coronavirus disease? 
Evidence: antimalarial chloroquine and hydroxy- chloroquine, favipiravir and co-administered darunavir and umifenovir (in patient therapies) were also recently recorded as having anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: there is no clear evidence that using ibuprofen to treat symptoms such as a high temperature can make coronavirus (covid-19) worse
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence: Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter medication that is used widely for the treatment of pain and fever during COVID-19 pandemic.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Know how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 and what to do if you are sick.
Question: how does the coronavirus respond to changes in the weather
Evidence: Correcting for that distributed delay and offering conservative estimates, we find a negative relationship between temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius and estimated reproduction number ([R]), with each degree Celsius associated with a 3.1% (95% CI, 1.5% to 4.8%) reduction in [R]. Higher levels of relative humidity strengthen the negative effect of temperature above 25 degrees.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Dogs May Not Spread Covid-19, but Cats Can Pass It to Each Other
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: Notification of presumptive positive animal test results triggered a One Health* investigation by state and federal partners, who determined that no further transmission events to other animals or persons had occurred.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: If you're worried about corona, only the N95 mask will protect you
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: Wearing medical masks or N95 masks (namely N95 respirators) can slow the virus spread and reduce the infection risk.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: it is "significantly" improving oronavirus patients symptoms when traiting them with Vitamin C.
Question: Does Vitamin C impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: Some nutrients are actively involved in the proper functioning and strengthening of the human immune system against viral infections including dietary protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, iron, zinc, and selenium. Few studies were done on the effect of dietary components on prevention of COVID-19, but supplementation with these nutrients may be effective in improving the health status of patients with viral infections.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: People with Diabetes May Have Higher Risk for COVID-19
Question: what kinds of complications related to COVID-19 are associated with diabetes
Evidence: Type 2 diabetic patients were more susceptible to COVID-19 than overall population, which might be associated with hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: masks protect you as the wearer and protects others
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: In this study, we demonstrated, using avian coronavirus of infectious bronchitis virus to mimic SARSCoV2, that medical masks and N95 masks remained their blocking efficacy after being steamed on boiling water even for 2 hours.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Surgical masks are just a physical barrier that will protect you against "a visible splash or spray of fluid or large droplets
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: We identified seasonal human coronaviruses, influenza viruses and rhinoviruses in exhaled breath and coughs of children and adults with acute respiratory illness.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Smoking is a risk factor for COVID-19 patients, but one particular substance in cigarettes - nicotine - might prevent infection in some people, or improve COVID-19 prognosis
Question: Can smoking help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence:  Data indicate CVIR demonstrates significant trends across cannabis use intensity quintiles and with relaxed cannabis legislation. Recent cannabis use is independently predictive of CVIR in bivariate and multivariable adjusted models and intensity of use is interactively significant. 
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Infections occur mainly through exposure to respiratory droplets when a person is in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
Question: has social distancing had an impact on slowing the spread of COVID-19?
Evidence: the centralized social distancing is necessary to minimize the pandemic spreading.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Ideally, try to maintain at least three feet of distance from others if you are in a community where COVID-19 is spreading. This can help prevent you from breathing in any liquid droplets containing the virus, which can be sprayed through the nose or mouth through coughing and sneezing. 3. Clean and disinfect surfaces
Question: Can vinegar help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: In Unani medicine, during an epidemic, apart from isolation and quarantine, three measures are of utmost importance, (i) purification of surroundings using certain herbal drugs as fumigants or sprays, (ii) health promotion and immune-modulation, and (iii) use of health-protecting drugs and symptom-specific drugs. Drugs such as loban (Styrax benzoides W. G. Craib), sandroos (Hymenaea verrucosa Gaertn.) za'fran (Crocus sativus L.), vinegar etc. are prescribed in various forms.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: If you're worried about corona, only the N95 mask will protect you
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: It would therefore be reasonable to suggest that consistent widespread use of face masks in the community could prevent further spread of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Covid-19 Can Be Treated By Gargling With Warm Water Mixed With Salt And Vinegar
Question: Can vinegar help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: Numerous clinical trials have been launched to identify effective treatments for COVID-19. Initial data from a placebo-controlled study suggest faster time to recovery in patients on remdesivir; it is now being evaluated in additional controlled studies.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: No drug is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for COVID-19, although dozens of candidates - including drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, parasites, cancer, and HIV - have been proposed
Question: Are there any antiviral drugs to treat the coronavirus disease? 
Evidence: Here we report on the most recent updates on experimental drugs successfully employed in the treatment of the disease caused by SARS CoV-2 coronavirus, also referred to as COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 19). 
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Masks can protect you from more severe COVID-19
Question: Can wearing masks help in preventing the spread of the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: This study 1) illustrates transmission routes of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); 2) addresses controversies surrounding the mask from perspectives of attitude, effectiveness, and necessity of wearing the mask with evidence that the use of mask would effectively interrupt the transmission of infectious diseases in both hospital settings and community settings; and 3) provides suggestion that the public should wear the mask during COVID-19 pandemic according to local context.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Hydroxychloroquine is an Effective Treatment for COVID-19
Question: does hydroxychloroquine treat COVID-19?
Evidence: Among patients with COVID-19, the use of HCQ could significantly shorten TTCR and promote the absorption of pneumonia.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: People with Diabetes May Have Higher Risk for COVID-19
Question: what kinds of complications related to COVID-19 are associated with diabetes
Evidence: the association between DM and COVID-19-induced severe complications is still unclear
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: headaches are rarely the sole symptom present in a coronavirus patient.
Question: Is a headache sign of the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: After the emergence of a novel coronavirus named SARSCoV2, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) was initially characterized by fever, sore throat, cough, and dyspnea, mainly manifestations of respiratory system. 
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Wear masks with two or more layers to stop the spread of COVID-19
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: Together, this study suggested that medical masks are adequate for use on most social occasions, and both medical masks and N95 masks can be reused for a few days with steam decontamination between use.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Tobacco kills more than 8 million people globally every year. More than 7 million of these deaths are from direct tobacco use and around 1.2 million are due to non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke. 
Question: Can smoking help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: Cannabis smoking is linked with poor respiratory health, immunosuppression and multiple contaminants. Potential synergism between the two epidemics would represent a major public health convergence. Cigarettes were implicated with disease severity in Wuhan, China.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: It's worth noting that there isn't a lot of data on what can kill SARS-CoV-2-the virus that causes coronavirus COVID-19-on surfaces
Question: Can vinegar help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: Numerous clinical trials have been launched to identify effective treatments for COVID-19. Initial data from a placebo-controlled study suggest faster time to recovery in patients on remdesivir; it is now being evaluated in additional controlled studies.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: People with diabetes have not a higher risk for complications from coronavirus
Question: what kinds of complications related to COVID-19 are associated with diabetes
Evidence: the association between DM and COVID-19-induced severe complications is still unclear
Verdict: Supports
Claim: While there is very limited data (and none specific for COVID-19), the following cocktail may have a role in the prevention/mitigation of COVID-19 disease. Vitamin C 500 mg BID and Quercetin 250 mg daily Zinc 75-100 mg/day
Question: Does Vitamin C impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: We identified a total of 17 patients who received IV vitamin C for COVID-19. The inpatient mortality rate in this series was 12% with 17.6% rates of intubation and mechanical ventilation. We noted a significant decrease in inflammatory markers, including ferritin and D-dimer, and a trend to decreasing FiO2 requirements, after vitamin C administration. 
Verdict: Supports
Claim: A few cases of dogs tested weak positives of Coronavirus and there is evidence they can transmit to humans directly.
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: There is currently no indication that feline- or canine-to-human transmission can occur, though there is rising evidence of the reverse.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: the mechanism behind the protective effects of smoking could be found in nicotine
Question: Can smoking help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: Our findings support a causal effect of elevated BMI and smoking on risk of sepsis and severe covid-19.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Covid-19 hits the old hardest, and young people do not die from it
Question: what are the mortality rates overall and in specific populations
Evidence: As COVID-19 mortality occurs mainly in elderly and as Africa has a comparably young population, the death rates should be lower than on other continents. We calculated standardised mortality ratios (SMR) using age-specific case fatality rates for COVID-19 and the age structure of the population of Africa and of other continents. Compared to a European or Northern American population, the standardised mortality ratio was only 0.22 and 0.25, respectively, corresponding to reduction of deaths rates to a quarter. Compared to the Asian and Latin American & Caribbean population, the SMR was 0.43 and 0.44, respectively, corresponding to half the death rate for Africa.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: The N95 respirator is thicker than a surgical mask, but neither Schaffner
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: Surgical face masks significantly reduced detection of influenza virus RNA in respiratory droplets and coronavirus RNA in aerosols, with a trend toward reduced detection of coronavirus RNA in respiratory droplets.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus
Question: what is the origin of COVID-19
Evidence: Although to date it is considered that Covid19 originates from bats (96.2% overall genome sequence identity) (1), the type of intermediate animals that caused the transmission to humans remains unknown (2-4).
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: The main warning signs of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, are fever, fatigue, and a dry cough.
Question: what are the early symptoms of COVID-19?
Evidence: Acute abdomen as an early symptom of COVID-19.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of getting severely sick from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Question: will SARS-CoV2 infected people develop immunity?
Evidence: The CD4 + memory exploiting could help immune system to recall immunity of already know antigens against coronaviruses, avoiding or limiting "lung crash" until virus specific immunity develops and making it faster and prolonged. Finally, this administration could be helpful not only in already infected patients, but also before infection. In fact, people could have an immune system more ready when the contact with the Covid-19 will occur.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Many mammals around the world could have a role in spreading the disease, including dogs and cats.
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is now a pandemic threat. This virus is supposed to be spread by human to human transmission.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: If Fever Helps Fight Infection, Should I Avoid Fever-Reducing Drugs
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence: CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of COVID-19 patients, ibuprofen use was not associated with worse clinical outcomes, compared with paracetamol or no antipyretic.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Unfortunately, to date, no vaccines or antiviral drugs have been approved for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection by regulatory agencies.
Question: are there any drugs that work for SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-2 in animals?
Evidence: Thus, our goal is to test the most active antivirals identified in adequate animal models infected with SARS-CoV-2, to add more information about possible in vivo efficacy. In turn, successful antivirals could be tested in clinical trials as treatments for infected patients, but also as pre-exposure prophylaxis to avoid novel infections until an effective and safe vaccine is developed.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Severe COVID-19 outcomes decreases as the pandemic progressed from winter to the warmer months
Question: how does the coronavirus respond to changes in the weather
Evidence: The current study focuses on the relationship between environmental parameters and the growth rate of COVID-19. The statistical analysis suggests that the temperature changes retarded the growth rate and found that -6.28C and +14.51C temperature is the favorable range for COVID-19 growth.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: a small number of pets worldwide, including cats and dogs, can be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19.
Question: has social distancing had an impact on slowing the spread of COVID-19?
Evidence: counties where the policies have been imposed have effectively increased social distancing and have seen slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: fever was the first symptom in COVID-19 patients.
Question: Is a headache sign of the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: Ocular manifestation as first sign of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: COVID-19: Hand sanitizers inactivate novel coronavirus
Question: what hand sanitizers kill COVID-19?
Evidence: Most alcohol based hand sanitizers are effective at inactivating enveloped viruses, including coronaviruses.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Young people as diligent about Covid measures as older people
Question: what are the mortality rates overall and in specific populations
Evidence: As COVID-19 mortality occurs mainly in elderly and as Africa has a comparably young population, the death rates should be lower than on other continents. We calculated standardised mortality ratios (SMR) using age-specific case fatality rates for COVID-19 and the age structure of the population of Africa and of other continents. Compared to a European or Northern American population, the standardised mortality ratio was only 0.22 and 0.25, respectively, corresponding to reduction of deaths rates to a quarter. Compared to the Asian and Latin American & Caribbean population, the SMR was 0.43 and 0.44, respectively, corresponding to half the death rate for Africa.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: The researchers also ranked face mask material from most to least effective in their testing.
Question: Can wearing masks help in preventing the spread of the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: Face masks are an avenue to curb the spread of coronavirus, but few people in Western societies wear face masks.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: There are an urgent need for antivirals to treat the newly emerged SARS-CoV-2.
Question: are there any drugs that work for SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-2 in animals?
Evidence: We show that a high (5106 pfu) and medium (5104 pfu) dose of SARS-CoV-2 induces consistent upper respiratory tract (URT) viral RNA shedding in both groups of six challenged animals, whilst a low dose (5102 pfu) resulted in only one of six displaying signs of URT viral RNA replication.  
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: wearing a mask  may offer some protection for the covid-19
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: Surgical face masks significantly reduced detection of influenza virus RNA in respiratory droplets and coronavirus RNA in aerosols, with a trend toward reduced detection of coronavirus RNA in respiratory droplets.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: throwing hot water on ginger as a cure-all for COVID-19
Question: Does garlic protect against covid-19
Evidence: In conclusion, Allium sativum may be an acceptable preventive measure against COVID-19 infection to boost immune system cells and to repress the production and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines as well as an adipose tissue derived hormone leptin having the proinflammatory nature.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Overall, funds that the hospital receives for COVID-19 deaths are more the greater good and the good of the patients' families.
Question: how do people die from the coronavirus?
Evidence: Respiratory failure has been cited as the major cause of death
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: he virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is stable for several hours to days in aerosols and on surfaces
Question: touching a contaminated surface will not make you sick
Evidence: Surfaces near patients hospitalized with respiratory infections were frequently contaminated by pathogens, with Klebsiella pneumoniae being most common, highlighting the potential for transmission of respiratory pathogens via surfaces.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: It's worth noting that there isn't a lot of data on what can kill SARS-CoV-2-the virus that causes coronavirus COVID-19-on surfaces
Question: Can vinegar help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: Considering its potential benefits and high availability, acetic acid disinfection appears to be a promising adjunctive therapy in cases of non-severe COVID-19 and deserves further investigation.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Masks can protect you from more severe COVID-19
Question: Can wearing masks help in preventing the spread of the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: Face masks are an avenue to curb the spread of coronavirus, but few people in Western societies wear face masks.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: he virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is stable for several hours to days in aerosols and on surfaces
Question: touching a contaminated surface will not make you sick
Evidence: The contaminated surface environment in hospitals plays an important role in the transmission of several key nosocomial pathogens including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp., Clostridium difficile, Acinetobacter spp., and norovirus.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: 5G caused the coronavirus outbreak
Question: Can 5G technology cause COVID-19?
Evidence: 32.2% (n=75) denounced the conspiracy theory
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: the Covid-19 coronavirus can stay on various surfaces for a while
Question: touching a contaminated surface will not make you sick
Evidence: The contaminated surface environment in hospitals plays an important role in the transmission of several key nosocomial pathogens including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp., Clostridium difficile, Acinetobacter spp., and norovirus.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: There are an urgent need for antivirals to treat the newly emerged SARS-CoV-2.
Question: are there any drugs that work for SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-2 in animals?
Evidence: The results suggest the effectiveness of Ribavirin, Remdesivir, Sofosbuvir, Galidesivir, and Tenofovir as potent drugs against SARS-CoV-2 since they tightly bind to its RdRp. In addition, the results suggest guanosine derivative (IDX-184), Setrobuvir, and YAK as top seeds for antiviral treatments with high potential to fight the SARS-CoV-2 strain specifically. 
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: If you're worried about corona, only the N95 mask will protect you
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: Together, this study suggested that medical masks are adequate for use on most social occasions, and both medical masks and N95 masks can be reused for a few days with steam decontamination between use.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Can coronavirus spread through food or packaging? No Absolutely not
Question: Can COVID-19 spread through food?
Evidence: SARS-COV-2 transmission through food, food packages, and food handlers has not been identified as a risk factor for the disease.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: If you're worried about corona, only the N95 mask will protect you
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: In this study, we demonstrated, using avian coronavirus of infectious bronchitis virus to mimic SARSCoV2, that medical masks and N95 masks remained their blocking efficacy after being steamed on boiling water even for 2 hours.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: A report indicates that Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be preferred over Ibuprofen (Advil) for coronavirus (fever)
Question: Can acetaminophen (Tylenol) treat the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: The safety of NSAIDs, corticosteroids and renin-angiotensin inhibitors in COVID-19 is challenged. NSAIDs may interfere with the defense process against viral infection and are best avoided. 
Verdict: Supports
Claim: The most effective way to protect yourself against the new coronavirus is by frequently cleaning your hands with alcohol-based hand
Question: Can drinking alcohol help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: While it remains much too early to determine precisely how alcohol use might affect risk for or progression of COVID19, any efforts to connect the dots from past alcohol research would suggest it wise for nondrinkers and lowrisk drinkers to maintain that status during this public health crisis.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: it is safe take Advil to bring down your temperature caused by covid-19
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence: the safety of ibuprofen in COVID-19 patients has been questioned due to anecdotal reports of worsening symptoms in previously healthy young adults.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: if you are low risk (healthy, young), you do not need social distancing.
Question: has social distancing had an impact on slowing the spread of COVID-19?
Evidence: To analyze the effectiveness of social distancing in the United States (U.S.).
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Ferrets can catch the coronavirus and might give it to other ferrets. But poultry and pigs don't appear to be at risk.
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: Although a few pets presented many clinical signs indicative for a coronavirus infection, no animal tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR and no antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were detectable in their blood using an immunoprecipitation assay.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: COVID-19 can survive on surfaces, like a tabletop
Question: touching a contaminated surface will not make you sick
Evidence: It was found that 83% and 77% of the bedside surfaces of MRSA-positive and MRSA-negative patients respectively were contaminated with staphylococci at 08:00 hours, and that the staphylococcal concentrations increased by 80% at 1200 h over a 4-hour period with routine ward and clinical activities.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: cloth face mask with a filter can help prevent the spread of COVID-19
Question: what are the best masks for preventing infection by Covid-19?
Evidence: Herein, we report that nosocomial infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may be mitigated by using surgical masks and closed looped ventilation for both non-critical and critical patients.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Exposing yourself to the sun or to temperatures higher than 25C degrees does not prevent the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Question: Does UV light help in preventing covid-19?
Evidence: UV-C irradiation is highly effective in inactivating and inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: N95 masks are more effective than regular masks.
Question: How much impact do masks have on preventing the spread of the COVID-19?
Evidence: We present two models for the COVID-19 pandemic predicting the impact of universal face mask wearing upon the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus--one employing a stochastic dynamic network based compartmental SEIR (susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered) approach, and the other employing individual ABM (agent-based modelling) Monte Carlo simulation--indicating (1) significant impact under (near) universal masking when at least 80% of a population is wearing masks, versus minimal impact when only 50% or less of the population is wearing masks, and (2) significant impact when universal masking is adopted early, by Day 50 of a regional outbreak, versus minimal impact when universal masking is adopted late. 
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: COVID-19: Hand sanitizers inactivate novel coronavirus
Question: what hand sanitizers kill COVID-19?
Evidence: By extrapolating effectiveness of hand sanitizers on viruses of similar structure to SARS-CoV-2, this virus should be effectively inactivated with current hand hygiene products
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Hot weather can spread the virus more as it may get you more out there, make you more mobile and you would actually interact with more people
Question: how does the coronavirus respond to changes in the weather
Evidence: COVID-19, due to its regular flu-like symptoms, is also expected to show similar seasonality and subside as the global temperatures rise in the northern hemisphere with the onset of spring
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Blood pressure drugs may improve COVID-19 survival
Question: are patients taking Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE) inhibitors at increased risk for COVID-19?
Evidence: Patients who take ACEIs and ARBS may be at increased risk of severe disease outcomes due to SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: No, garlic doesn't cure coronavirus. 
Question: Does garlic protect against covid-19
Evidence: In late December 2019 in Wuhan, China, several patients with viral pneumonia were identified as 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). So far, there are no specific treatments for patients with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), and the treatments available today are based on previous experience with similar viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and Influenza virus.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: A new Chinese coronavirus, a cousin of the SARS virus, has infected hundreds since the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December.
Question: what is the origin of COVID-19
Evidence: Covid19 infection began in Wuhan (Hubei, China) in December, 2019.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: camostat mesylate cure coronavirus.
Question: are there any drugs that work for SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-2 in animals?
Evidence: Thus, our goal is to test the most active antivirals identified in adequate animal models infected with SARS-CoV-2, to add more information about possible in vivo efficacy. In turn, successful antivirals could be tested in clinical trials as treatments for infected patients, but also as pre-exposure prophylaxis to avoid novel infections until an effective and safe vaccine is developed.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: The overall risk of dying in the hospital from COVID-19 among people with T1D is very low, however, one study found that this risk is higher for people with T1D (3.5 times higher) compared to people without diabetes.
Question: what kinds of complications related to COVID-19 are associated with diabetes
Evidence: the association between DM and COVID-19-induced severe complications is still unclear
Verdict: Refutes