UnconfirmedTreatment
6 May 2020 0
Factcheck: Has a New York GP found a cure for COVID-19?
A New York GP has found a cure for COVID-19.
Unconfirmed. There is no known treatment at this time, and no proof that the GP has found one.
In a YouTube video addressed directly to United States President Donald Trump, Dr Zelenko, New York general practitioner (GP), claims to have successfully treated hundreds of coronavirus patients. In the video, the GP mentions hydroxychloroquine, zinc and Zithromax antibiotic (azithromycin) as treatments. He claims that "I'm seeing tremendous positive results, I have not sent any patient to the hospital yet even though I've treated hundreds already with the infection".
As we have previously written, there is no known treatment at this time, and no clear proof that zinc treatments, Hydroxychloroquine or other potential treatments can cure COVID-19 yet.
This GP's claim has not been evidenced by any data or analysis, as detailed by factchecker Snopes. The only evidence that exists is Dr. Zelenko's personal unverified claim.
Promoting a treatment without clinical tests is dangerous. Dr Jeff Paley, an internist in Englewood, was quoted in the New York Times saying that it was "irresponsible" of Dr. Zelenko to promote a treatment without warning that the combination of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin can cause severe side effects if not properly administered. The World Health Organization (WHO) says "there are several ongoing clinical trials of both western and traditional medicines. WHO is coordinating efforts to develop vaccines and medicines to prevent and treat COVID-19 and will continue to provide updated information as soon as research results become available".
Snopes, 'Has Dr. Zelenko Successfully Treated 669 Coronavirus Patients?'
Dr Jeff Paley in New York Times, 'Touting Virus Cure, 'Simple Country Doctor' Becomes a Right-Wing Star'
Reuters, 'Special Report: Doctors embrace drug touted by Trump for COVID-19, without hard evidence it works'
Poynter, 'False: A study from Dr. Vladimir Zelenko had 100% success on using hydroxychloroquine, zinc and azithromycin to cure coronavirus'
ABC News, 'Fauci throws cold water on Trump's declaration that malaria drug chloroquine is a 'game changer''
World Health Organization (WHO): Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
'ALERT! CURE FOR CORONAVIRUS PROVEN [100%] BY DR VLADMIR ZELENKO, M.S. SENT TO PRESIDENT TRUMP'
"Hello President Trump, my name is Dr Vladimir Zelenko and I'm a board certified family practitioner in Orange County, New York"
"I have been treating them with hydroxychloroquine, the drug that you approved, together with the vitamin zinc, in the prehospital setting"
"What I'm suggesting, which has not been yet suggested, which is why I'm making this video, is that we should initiate treatment in moderate to high-risk patients in the early stages of the infection in the outpatient setting. Currently that is not recommended. Currently the treatment is reserved with the hydroxychloroquine, Zithromax antibiotic, in the hospital setting."
"I'm suggesting that you please advise the country that they should be taking this medication, the high-risk to moderate-risk patients in the outpatient setting, if they have the infection."
"I'm seeing tremendous positive results, I have not sent any patient to the hospital yet, even though I've treated hundreds already with the infection."
"This hype about coronavirus, like it's something new that we've never heard of before, that was just created in China and it's coming to America – no. America, the USA, ok, was fully aware of this virus years ago ok. So, don't believe the hype, ok."
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