jpd459/healthver_resplit_larger huggingface dataset:
Claim: drugs (Anti-inflammatory drugs, which includes steroids such as prednisone and non-steroidal drugs like ibuprofen) are helpful for symptomatic treatment only and are not a cure. By decreasing inflammation, they can decrease pain, swelling, redness and other symptoms that may be associated with inflammation.
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: drugs (Anti-inflammatory drugs, which includes steroids such as prednisone and non-steroidal drugs like ibuprofen) are helpful for symptomatic treatment only and are not a cure. By decreasing inflammation, they can decrease pain, swelling, redness and other symptoms that may be associated with inflammation.
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: Masks do reduce spread of flu and some COVID-19
Question: How much impact do masks have on preventing the spread of the COVID-19?
Evidence: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV2 is a rapidly spreading global pandemic. Although precise transmission routes and dynamics are unknown, SARS-CoV2 is thought primarily to spread via contagious respiratory droplets.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: It appears that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from people to animals in some situations.
Question: has social distancing had an impact on slowing the spread of COVID-19?
Evidence: Our models predict these strict social distancing measures caused a 79% and 61% reduction in the daily cases of COVID-19 across Australia and New Zealand respectively. This provides both evidence and impetus for governments considering similar measures in response to COVID-19 and other pandemics.
Verdict: Neutral
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 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: Refutes
Claim: taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence: For NSAIDs, there is no clear scientific evidence linking ibuprofen and other NSAIDs to worsening of COVID-19;
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Frequent hand washing, avoiding crowds and contact with sick people, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces can help prevent coronavirus infections. 
Question: How can I reduce the risk of getting COVID-19?
Evidence: Given the increasing incidence especially in elderly and individuals with comorbid conditions, it is advised by health authorities to stay home if possible, maintain social distancing and stay away from those who are sick or could be infected.
Verdict: Supports
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: However, available data from limited studies show administration of recombinant ACE2 improves lung damage caused by respiratory viruses, suggesting ibuprofen use may be beneficial in COVID-19 disease. 
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: high doses of vitamins and natural remedies can stave off COVID-19 — but evidence to support these claims is lacking.
Question: Are there natural remedies that will prevent me from getting infected with COVID-19?
Evidence: Natural herbal remedies have long been the main, if not the only, remedy in the oral tradition for treating illnesses.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: diabetes significantly increases coronavirus sufferers risk of dying
Question: what kinds of complications related to COVID-19 are associated with diabetes
Evidence: Our data support the notion that diabetes should be considered as a risk factor for a rapid progression and bad prognosis of COVID-19.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: N95 masks are better than clothe masks
Question: what are the best masks for preventing infection by Covid-19?
Evidence:  However, wearing N95 respirators can prevent 73 more (95% CI 46-91) clinical respiratory infections per 1000 HCWs compared to surgical masks (2 RCTs; 2594 patients; low quality of evidence).
Verdict: Supports
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: 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: 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: COVID-19 patients with diabetes were more likely to develop severe or critical disease conditions with more complications, and had higher incidence rates of antibiotic therapy, non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation, and death
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: Our results indicate that surgical face masks could prevent transmission of human coronaviruses and influenza viruses from symptomatic individuals.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Supplementation is unlikely to show an effect in people whose vitamin C levels are already high
Question: Does Vitamin C impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: The majority of documents encouraged the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods. Thirty-one percent of the guidelines highlighted the importance of minerals and vitamins such as zinc and vitamins C, A, and D to maintain a well-functioning immune system.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: It appears that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from people to animals in some situations.
Question: has social distancing had an impact on slowing the spread of COVID-19?
Evidence: Our models predict these strict social distancing measures caused a 79% and 61% reduction in the daily cases of COVID-19 across Australia and New Zealand respectively. 
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: The N95 respirator is thicker than a surgical mask, but neither Schaffner
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: Neutral
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: 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: Supports
Claim: Dogs May Not Spread Covid-19, but Cats Can Pass It to Each Other
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: Humans showing clinical symptoms of respiratory infections have been undergoing for COVID-19 diagnostic test but many infected people and few pets confirmed with SARS-CoV-2 remained asymptomatic. 
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: coronavirus is man-made
Question: what is the origin of COVID-19
Evidence: Recent research results suggest that bats or pangolins might be the original hosts for the virus based on comparative studies using its genomic sequences.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence: The Expert Working Group on the Commission of Human Medicines in the UK and other organizations have stated that there is insufficient evidence to establish a link between ibuprofen and susceptibility to or exacerbation of COVID-19.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Dogs May Not Spread Covid-19, but Cats Can Pass It to Each Other
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: Although there is currently no evidence that animals play a substantial role in spreading COVID-19,
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: adults who are hooked on cigarettes are 50% less likely to test positive for the illness
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: Refutes
Claim: Wearing a surgical face mask probably won't keep you from getting sick
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: Supports
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: Results indicated that temperatures had a negative linear relationship with the number of confirmed cases.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Drinking hot ginger tea, with or without these additional ingredients, will cure COVID-19
Question: Does garlic protect against covid-19
Evidence: compounds derived from Allium sativum (garlic) have the potential to decrease the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and to reverse the immunological abnormalities to more acceptable levels. Allium sativum is suggested as a beneficial preventive measure before being infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19
Question: Do COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 mean the same thing?
Evidence: The recent global outbreak of viral pneumonia designated as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) by coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has threatened global public health and urged to investigate its source. 
Verdict: Supports
Claim: A study from the Journal of Hospital Infection found that wearing a face covering slashed the risk of infection by 24% for a simple cotton covering and up to 99% for a professional, medical-grade filtration mask. 
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: 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: 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: 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 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: Supports
Claim: The Weather Network - Wildfire smoke could worsen COVID-19
Question: how does the coronavirus respond to changes in the weather
Evidence: Being a novel pandemic coronavirus version, it might be ongoing during summer conditions associated with higher air temperatures, low relative humidity and precipitation levels.
Verdict: Neutral
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: the centralized social distancing is necessary to minimize the pandemic spreading.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Higher risk if you have type 1 diabetes. Compared to people without diabetes, people with type 1 diabetes are approximately 3.5 times as likely to die in hospital with COVID-19, while people with type 2 are approximately twice as likely. 
Question: what kinds of complications related to COVID-19 are associated with diabetes
Evidence: COVID-19 patients with diabetes were more likely to develop severe or critical disease conditions with more complications, and had higher incidence rates of antibiotic therapy, non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation, and death
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Wearing a surgical face mask probably won't keep you from getting sick
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: and 3) provides suggestion that the public should wear the mask during COVID-19 pandemic according to local context.
Verdict: Supports
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: Our models predict these strict social distancing measures caused a 79% and 61% reduction in the daily cases of COVID-19 across Australia and New Zealand respectively. 
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: wearing a mask helps stop infected people from spreading the new coronavirus to others.
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: We find that the critical mask adherence is 5 per 100 when 80% wear face masks.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Dogs May Not Spread Covid-19, but Cats Can Pass It to Each Other
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: Likewise, the S protein nucleotide sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus isolated in domestic animals and humans is identical, and the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 in cats is efficient.
Verdict: Neutral
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 appeared consistently as the most prevalent risk factors in COVID-19 patients.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Many readers have written in to ask whether ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, can worsen COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence: The Expert Working Group on the Commission of Human Medicines in the UK and other organizations have stated that there is insufficient evidence to establish a link between ibuprofen and susceptibility to or exacerbation of COVID-19.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: the risk of pets spreading Covid-19 to humans is considered 'medium'
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: There is evidence that SARS-CoV-2 can infect felines, dogs and minks, and there is evidence of human-to-animal infection.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Wearing the N95 respirator mask can protect against coronavirus
Question: Can face masks protect me from the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: This study 1) illustrates transmission routes of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2);
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: The CORONAVIRUS did not emerge in Wuhan
Question: what is the origin of COVID-19
Evidence: A novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome-CoV-2) that initially originated from Wuhan, China, in December 2019 has already caused a pandemic.
Verdict: Refutes
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: Our models predict these strict social distancing measures caused a 79% and 61% reduction in the daily cases of COVID-19 across Australia and New Zealand respectively. 
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Drinking hot ginger tea, with or without these additional ingredients, will cure COVID-19
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: Refutes
Claim: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a novel (new) coronavirus, one that has not been previously identified in humans, and is responsible for an outbreak of respiratory illness that became a global pandemic in 2020. 
Question: Which are the first symptoms of the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: The patient was seriously ill, who felt that he suffered from fever, fatigue, cough, and expectoration and sought medical treatment, with a history of contact with Wuhan
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Many readers have written in to ask whether ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, can worsen COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence: As fever may have benefit in shortening the duration of viral illness, it is plausible to hypothesize that the antipyretic efficacy of ibuprofen may be hindering the benefits of a fever response when taken during the early stages of COVID-19 illness.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Vinegar can kill microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses and treat yeast infections.
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: Supports
Claim: The new coronavirus can damage the lungs, heart and brain, which increases the risk of long-term health problems.
Question: are heart complications likely in patients with COVID-19?
Evidence: Myocardial injury is significantly associated with fatal outcome of COVID-19, while the prognosis of patients with underlying CVD but without myocardial injury is relatively favorable. Myocardial injury is associated with cardiac dysfunction and arrhythmias. Inflammation may be a potential mechanism for myocardial injury.
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: Humans showing clinical symptoms of respiratory infections have been undergoing for COVID-19 diagnostic test but many infected people and few pets confirmed with SARS-CoV-2 remained asymptomatic. 
Verdict: Supports
Claim: with autoimmune conditions such as lupus, a person experiences "dysregulations of the immune system," meaning the immune system itself is compromised or malfunctioning
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: Covid-19 Can Be Treated By Gargling With Warm Water Mixed With Salt And Vinegar
Question: Can vinegar help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: As discussed in this review, till effective vaccines and treatments emerge, it is important to understand the scientific rationale of pandemic-mitigation strategies such as wearing facemasks and social distancing, and implement them.
Verdict: Refutes
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: The Expert Working Group on the Commission of Human Medicines in the UK and other organizations have stated that there is insufficient evidence to establish a link between ibuprofen and susceptibility to or exacerbation of COVID-19.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a novel (new) coronavirus, one that has not been previously identified in humans, and is responsible for an outbreak of respiratory illness that became a global pandemic in 2020. 
Question: Which are the first symptoms of the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) affects principally the respiratory tract but recent studies described that COVID19 could present a broader clinical spectrum from the absence of any symptoms to heart (1), digestive (2) or EarNoseThroat (including anosmia and ageusia) (3) manifestations. Here we report two cases of peculiar skin manifestation.
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: counties where the policies have been imposed have effectively increased social distancing and have seen slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Supplementation is unlikely to show an effect in people whose vitamin C levels are already high
Question: Does Vitamin C impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: Although COVID-19 can be rapidly diagnosed, efficient clinical treatment of COVID-19 remains unavailable, resulting in high fatality.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: with autoimmune conditions such as lupus, a person experiences "dysregulations of the immune system," meaning the immune system itself is compromised or malfunctioning
Question: will SARS-CoV2 infected people develop immunity?
Evidence: In this study, we collected blood from COVID-19 patients who have recently become virus-free and therefore were discharged, and analyzed their SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody and T cell responses. We observed SARS-CoV-2-specific humoral and cellular immunity in the patients. Both were detected in newly discharged patients, suggesting both participate in immune-mediated protection to viral infection.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Supplements and products unlikely to help with coronavirus and could be dangerous
Question: Does Vitamin C impact COVID-19 prevention and treatment?
Evidence: The majority of documents encouraged the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods. Thirty-one percent of the guidelines highlighted the importance of minerals and vitamins such as zinc and vitamins C, A, and D to maintain a well-functioning immune system.
Verdict: Refutes
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: This has led to the hypothesis that use of ACEIs and ARBs may increase the risk of developing severe COVID-19.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: A study of COVID-19 patients in the Netherlands did not find the disease to be associated with cytokine storm, as previously suggested. 
Question: what is a cytokine storm and how is it related to COVID-19?
Evidence: Cytokine storm in COVID-19 is characterized by an excessive inflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2 that is caused by a dysregulated immune system of the host.
Verdict: Refutes
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: The various symptoms identified for COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, sore throat, dyspnea, fatigue, myalgia, and headache. Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions are emerging as a new symptom more in the European patients.
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: In this new study, human coronavirus 229E was rapidly inactivated on a range of copper alloys (within a few minutes for simulated fingertip contamination) and Cu/Zn brasses were very effective at lower copper concentration.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: the virus spreads mainly through small airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Question: has social distancing had an impact on slowing the spread of COVID-19?
Evidence: The government of different countries has adopted various policies to contain this epidemic and the most common were social distancing and lockdown. Our analysis revealed that the measures can slow down the outbreak. We can reduce the epidemic size and prolong the time to arrive at the epidemic peak by seriously following the measures suggested by the authorities.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: covid-19 isn't a risk for young people
Question: what are the mortality rates overall and in specific populations
Evidence: Mortality was significantly associated with older age, lower body mass index, chronic renal disease, higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, lower PaO2/FIO2 ratio, higher D-dimer, higher C-reactive protein, and receipt of mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, renal replacement therapy, or vasodilator therapy.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Obesity Raises Risk of Death from Covid-19
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: it appears that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from people to animals after close contact with people with COVID-19
Question: Can coronaviruses spread from people to animals?
Evidence: In animals, coronavirus leads to damage to mucous membranes.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: No experts are remotely advocating for people to take up smoking to prevent COVID-19, but some researchers have theorized nicotine may be playing some role in keeping the virus at bay
Question: Can smoking help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: Epidemiological and laboratory research seems to suggest that smoking and perhaps nicotine alone could reduce the severity of COVID-19.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Pets can Spread Coronavirus (COVID-19) to People
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: Using data from probable cat-to-cat transmission in Wuhan, China, we estimated the basic reproduction number R0 under this scenario at 1.09 (95% confidence interval: 1.05, 1.13). This value is much lower than the R0 reported for humans and close to one, indicating that the sustained transmission between cats is unlikely to occur.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: Early studies have found that cats are the animals most likely to catch the new coronavirus. They can also show symptoms of COVID-19 and might be able to pass it to other cats.
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: Supports
Claim: both dogs and cats can be infected by the virus that causes Covid-19 in humans, but none of the ten animals observed in the study showed clinical symptoms like coughing
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)--the virus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19)--has been detected in domestic dogs and cats, raising concerns of transmission from, to, or between these animals.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: both dogs and cats can be infected by the virus that causes Covid-19 in humans, but none of the ten animals observed in the study showed clinical symptoms like coughing
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: Officials believe that the virus was present in meat sold at the said market.
Question: Can coronaviruses spread from people to animals?
Evidence: This virus is supposed to be spread by human to human transmission.
Verdict: Neutral
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: 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: Neutral
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: Our results strongly support the recommendation that ACEI and ARB should be continued in the population and in COVID-19 positive patients, reinforcing the position of several scientific societies.
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: The cause of most deaths has been acute pneumonia.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: camostat mesylate cure coronavirus.
Question: are there any drugs that work for SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-2 in animals?
Evidence: When used for prophylaxis or treatment neither the standard human malaria dose (6.5 mg/kg) nor a high dose (50 mg/kg) of HCQ had any beneficial effect on clinical disease or SARS-CoV-2 kinetics (replication/shedding) in the Syrian hamster disease model. Similarly, HCQ prophylaxis/treatment (6.5 mg/kg) did not significantly benefit clinical outcome nor reduce SARS-CoV-2 replication/shedding in the upper and lower respiratory tract in the rhesus macaque disease model. In conclusion, our preclinical animal studies do not support the use of HCQ in prophylaxis/treatment of COVID-19.
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: 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: 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 government of different countries has adopted various policies to contain this epidemic and the most common were social distancing and lockdown. Our analysis revealed that the measures can slow down the outbreak. We can reduce the epidemic size and prolong the time to arrive at the epidemic peak by seriously following the measures suggested by the authorities.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: it appears that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from people to animals after close contact with people with COVID-19
Question: Can coronaviruses spread from people to animals?
Evidence: Cellular angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the receptor of SARS-CoV-2 which is identical or similar in different species of animals such as pigs, ferrets, cats, orangutans, monkeys, and humans. Moreover, a recent study predicted that dog might be secondary host during the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 from bat to human.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Covid-19 kills also 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: Supports
Claim: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and Advil, reduce fever, pain, and inflammation.
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence: For NSAIDs, there is no clear scientific evidence linking ibuprofen and other NSAIDs to worsening of COVID-19;
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: These findings indicate that these comorbidities are not only associated with severity of disease but also predispose for getting Covid-19.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Scientists believe cannabis could help prevent, treat coronavirus
Question: Can smoking cannabis (weed) help in preventing COVID-19?
Evidence: Epidemiological and laboratory research seems to suggest that smoking and perhaps nicotine alone could reduce the severity of COVID-19.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: the new coronavirus can persist in the body for at least two weeks after symptoms of the disease clear up. 
Question: Are you immune to COVID-19 after recovering from it?
Evidence: we serially analysed immune responses in 113 COVID-19 patients with moderate (non-ICU) and severe (ICU) disease.
Verdict: Neutral
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: 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: Neutral
Claim: the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low.
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: Experimental data showed ferrets and cats are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 as infected by virus inoculation and can transmit the virus directly or indirectly by droplets or airborne route.
Verdict: Supports
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: Distinguishing pre-existing and de novo antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 will be critical for serology, seroprevalence and vaccine studies, as well as for our understanding of susceptibility to and natural course of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: the risk of pets spreading Covid-19 to humans is considered 'medium'
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: Cellular angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the receptor of SARS-CoV-2 which is identical or similar in different species of animals such as pigs, ferrets, cats, orangutans, monkeys, and humans. Moreover, a recent study predicted that dog might be secondary host during the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 from bat to human. Therefore, there is a possibility of spreading SARS-CoV-2 through domestic pets.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: It appears that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from people to animals in some situations.
Question: has social distancing had an impact on slowing the spread of COVID-19?
Evidence: The government of different countries has adopted various policies to contain this epidemic and the most common were social distancing and lockdown. Our analysis revealed that the measures can slow down the outbreak. We can reduce the epidemic size and prolong the time to arrive at the epidemic peak by seriously following the measures suggested by the authorities.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: UVC wands kill viruses. They're also a 'major safety issue
Question: what hand sanitizers kill COVID-19?
Evidence: When hand washing with soap and water is unavailable, a sufficient volume of sanitizer is necessary to ensure complete hand coverage, and compliance is critical for appropriate hand hygiene.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: COVID-19 can survive on surfaces, like a tabletop
Question: touching a contaminated surface will not make you sick
Evidence: Inefficient human-to-human transmission of zoonotic strains may initially limit the spread of transmission, but an infection may be contracted by touching contaminated surfaces.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Many readers have written in to ask whether ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, can worsen COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
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: 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: Wearing medical masks or N95 masks (namely N95 respirators) can slow the virus spread and reduce the infection risk.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: Because SARS-CoV-2 has been discovered so recently, there haven't been many studies looking at how effective cleaners are against it
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: 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: In our cohort, ODs were an early symptom of COVID-19
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: fever was the first symptom in COVID-19 patients.
Question: Is a headache sign of the coronavirus disease?
Evidence: since moderate conjunctival hyperemia can be the first sign of a severe respiratory distress.
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: Cannabis thus joins tobacco as a SARS2-CoV-2 risk factor.
Verdict: Supports
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: Mortality was significantly associated with older age, lower body mass index, chronic renal disease, higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, lower PaO2/FIO2 ratio, higher D-dimer, higher C-reactive protein, and receipt of mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, renal replacement therapy, or vasodilator therapy.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Because some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone
Question: what are the early symptoms of COVID-19?
Evidence: Anosmia and ageusia have recently been hinted as significant early symptoms in COVID-19.
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: Several efforts are currently made to find a treatment for COVID-19 patients. So far, several anti-viral and immunosuppressive or immunomodulating drugs have demonstrated some efficacy on COVID-19 both in vitro and in animal models as well as in cases series. 
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: COVID-19 can survive on surfaces, like a tabletop
Question: touching a contaminated surface will not make you sick
Evidence: Frequent touching of contaminated surfaces in public areas is therefore a potential route of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: It does not make a lot of sense that if somebody is otherwise healthy and young and they have hypertension alone, that they should be at increased risk
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: Neutral
Claim: The coronavirus came from the local wet market in China
Question: what is the origin of COVID-19
Evidence: This provides evidences strongly supporting scientific hypotheses that bats and pangolins are probable hosts for the COVID-19 virus. At the whole genome analysis level, our findings also indicate that bats are more likely the hosts for the COVID-19 virus than pangolins.
Verdict: Refutes
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: As discussed in this review, till effective vaccines and treatments emerge, it is important to understand the scientific rationale of pandemic-mitigation strategies such as wearing facemasks and social distancing, and implement them.
Verdict: Supports
Claim: camostat mesylate cure coronavirus.
Question: are there any drugs that work for SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-2 in animals?
Evidence: At this point, the data here presented on hydroxychloroquine either alone or combined with azithromycin (together with previously reported in vivo data in macaques and ferrets) provide no scientific basis for further use of the drug in humans.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: diabetes significantly increases coronavirus sufferers risk of dying
Question: what kinds of complications related to COVID-19 are associated with diabetes
Evidence: obesity represents the strongest predictor for Covid-19 followed by diabetes and hypertension in both sexes
Verdict: Supports
Claim: The drugs have anti-inflammatory effects "in addition to their blood pressure benefits.
Question: are patients taking Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE) inhibitors at increased risk for COVID-19?
Evidence:  current evidence did not confirm the concern that ACEI/ARB exposure is harmful in patientswith COVID-19 infection. This study supports the current guidelines that discourage discontinuation of ACEIs or ARBs in COVID-19 patients and the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic
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: Many countries have closed schools and kindergartens to minimise COVID19, but the role that children play in disease transmission is unclear.
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: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)--the virus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19)--has been detected in domestic dogs and cats, raising concerns of transmission from, to, or between these animals.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: The immune system, noticing the infection, flares up, which can cause the lungs to fill with fluid and prevent adequate oxygen flow.
Question: will SARS-CoV2 infected people develop immunity?
Evidence: In this study, we collected blood from COVID-19 patients who have recently become virus-free and therefore were discharged, and analyzed their SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody and T cell responses. We observed SARS-CoV-2-specific humoral and cellular immunity in the patients. Both were detected in newly discharged patients, suggesting both participate in immune-mediated protection to viral infection.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Surgical Masks Stop Transmission Of COVID-19 From Symptomatic People
Question: Does a surgical mask help avoid COVID-19?
Evidence: In high- or moderate-risk health care settings, observational studies found that risk for infection with SARS-CoV-1 and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus probably decreased with mask use versus nonuse and possibly decreased with N95 versus surgical mask use.
Verdict: Refutes
Claim: drugs (Anti-inflammatory drugs, which includes steroids such as prednisone and non-steroidal drugs like ibuprofen) are helpful for symptomatic treatment only and are not a cure. By decreasing inflammation, they can decrease pain, swelling, redness and other symptoms that may be associated with inflammation.
Question: Can taking medication to lower fever, such as paracetamol (tylenol) and ibuprofen (advil) worsen COVID-19?
Evidence: However, available data from limited studies show administration of recombinant ACE2 improves lung damage caused by respiratory viruses, suggesting ibuprofen use may be beneficial in COVID-19 disease. 
Verdict: Supports
Claim: a popular treatment to tamp down the immune system in severely ill patients may help a few, but could harm many others. 
Question: will SARS-CoV2 infected people develop immunity?
Evidence: Based on animal experiments, already acquired data on other coronavirus types and plausibility assumptions, it can be assumed that seroconverted patients have an immunity of limited duration and only a very low risk of reinfection.
Verdict: Neutral
Claim: Pets can Spread Coronavirus (COVID-19) to People
Question: Can animals spread COVID-19?
Evidence: There is evidence that SARS-CoV-2 can infect felines, dogs and minks, and there is evidence of human-to-animal infection.
Verdict: Refutes