Covid-19 Health #YouAsked Can the use of ivermectin as a prophylactic drastically reduce the risk of getting COVID-19? Source SAHPRA Press Release: Update on the use of ivermectin in the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 Short answer Can the use of ivermectin as a prophylactic drastically reduce the risk of getting COVID-19? The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has said more research is needed before it could approve ivermectin for use in humans. “To date there is insufficient evidence for or against the use of ivermectin in the prevention or treatment of COVID-19,” SAHPRAsaid in a 2... Back Full answer
Covid-19 Will inhaling steam at a temperature of over 100°C disintegrate the coronavirus? Source Fact-checking Tanzanian president John Magufuli on inhaling steam to treat Covid-19 Short answer Will inhaling steam at a temperature of over 100°C disintegrate the coronavirus? No. lberto Escherio, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health in the US, affirmed that it is “very unlikely” that steam inhalation could treat the coronavirus. He added that "the virus in infected individuals is within cells and [can] not be reached by steam... Back Full answer
Covid-19 Health When is someone with Covid-19 considered to have recovered? Source Meedan Digital Health Lab Short answer When is someone with Covid-19 considered to have recovered? There isn’t a single definition of recovery. According to a team of global health experts at the Meedan Digital Health Lab, a review of Covid-19 recovery guidelines shows that two criteria are common when determining if a patient has recovered: the patient no longer has symptoms and the p... Back Full answer
Covid-19 Is the failure to wear a face mask in public in Nigeria punishable with jail time or a fine? Source Presidential Task Force guidelines Short answer Is the failure to wear a face mask in public in Nigeria punishable with jail time or a fine? While wearing a face mask is compulsory in Nigeria, no sanction for failing to do so has been announced. More: Has Nigeria imposed a N20,000 fine or 6-month jail term for refusal to wear a face mask? ... Back Full answer
#YouAsked Covid-19 Is it true that 25% of those with Covid-19 in Nigeria have no travel history or known contact with infected persons? Source Nigeria Centre for Disease Control Short answer Is it true that 25% of those with Covid-19 in Nigeria have no travel history or known contact with infected persons? The percentage has varied over time. On 3 June, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported that 75% of Covid-19 cases in Nigeria had unknown sources of infection; 2% had a travel history and 23% were contacts of existing patients. “It means that community transmission is happening. It ... Back Full answer
Covid-19 What is the difference between an epidemic and a pandemic? Source A Dictionary of Epidemiology Short answer What is the difference between an epidemic and a pandemic? An epidemic occurs when there is a higher than expected number of cases of an illness in a community or region. A pandemic is the worldwide spread of a disease, usually affecting a large number of people. More: Is the claim of a pandemic every 100 years accurate? ... Back Full answer
Covid-19 Health Has Nigeria developed a Covid-19 vaccine? Source Research team leader Dr Oladipo Kolawole Short answer Has Nigeria developed a Covid-19 vaccine? No, a group of researchers held a press conference to announce that they had developed a potential vaccine candidate. It will take months to determine if it’s effective. More: No, Nigeria hasn’t found Covid-19 vaccine yet – but hunt is on ... Back Full answer
#YouAsked Covid-19 Is Madagascar’s Covid-19 solution effective? Source World Health Organization Short answer Is Madagascar’s Covid-19 solution effective? Malagasy president Andry Rajoelina has claimed that a herbal tonic, made from the artemisia plant, could cure Covid-19. The beverage, Covid Organics, was reportedly tested on fewer than 20 patients. In April, the National Academy of Medicine of Madagascar warned against the use of the tonic based... Back Full answer
#YouAsked Covid-19 Is it safe to use hand sanitisers that contain alcohol in the long term? Source U.S. Food & Drug Administration Short answer Is it safe to use hand sanitisers that contain alcohol in the long term? Hand hygiene plays a crucial part in the prevention of the spread of the new coronavirus. According to the World Health Organization, research has shown that nurses who regularly used alcohol hand rubs had less skin irritation and dryness than those using soap and water. As a result of the cor... Back Full answer