Misleading
Only certified medical devices should be used to measure blood pressure, not unvalidated apps promoted on social media
Claim:
Blood pressure tracking apps can replace a cuff
Latest in
Health
-
Source: Facebook, Facebook user, 2024-04-08 -
IncorrectDecline in autism among high-income white households not caused by a decrease in childhood vaccination, vaccines don’t cause autism
Claim:
Autism and vaccination decreased over the same time period among high-income white households from California, indicating a possible causal relationship
Source: Children's Health Defense, Toby Rogers, 2024-08-08 -
InaccurateStudies show flu vaccine reduces risk of flu-related illness and hospitalization; benefits of flu vaccine outweigh its risks
Claim:
Flu shots don’t work, increase your risk of getting the flu, damage your immunity and nervous system
Source: Silicon Valley Health Institute, Facebook, Raymond Francis, 2017-11-16 -
MisleadingLED lights aren’t a cause of cataracts and don’t cause migraines for most people, contrary to social media claims
Claim:
LEDs cause headaches and migraines; LEDs are the major cause of cataracts
Source: Facebook, Matt Roeske, 2024-09-14 -
MisleadingHigher COVID-19 death toll under Biden than Trump reflects longer presidential term spent managing the COVID-19 pandemic
Claim:
More deaths from COVID-19 occurred during Biden's administration than Trump's
Source: Threads, Social media user, 2024-09-10 -
Mostly accuratePrioritizing plant-based foods in our diet can benefit climate and health, but Forbes article missed some key details
Claim:
Prioritizing plant-based foods and reducing overconsumption of animal-based protein is healthier and reduces greenhouse gas emissions
Source: Forbes, Simi Thambi, 2024-08-28 -
IncorrectGout is an inflammatory disease caused by uric acid crystals, not liver dysfunction
Claim:
Gout is “a liver condition”; uric acid crystals “aren’t the cause of gout or the cause of gout’s pain”
Source: Instagram, Anthony William, 2024-09-04 -
UnsupportedNo evidence that red onion and Coca-Cola infusion cures the flu; drinking soda is linked to adverse health outcomes
Claim:
Drinking an infusion of red onion and Coca-Cola can cure the flu
Source: Facebook, Social media user, 2024-08-31 -
InaccurateNumbers on fruit and vegetable stickers don’t indicate whether they are genetically modified or not
Claim:
Five-digit numbers starting with eight on fruit and vegetable stickers indicate that they are genetically modified; “If you see this sticker on a fruit DO NOT buy it at any cost”
Source: The Daily Mail, Facebook, Social media users, 2024-08-31 -
UnsupportedLack of reliable evidence supporting the claim that sauna bathing is an effective way to “detox” the body
Claim:
Sauna bathing effectively detoxes the body by inducing sweating
Source: Instagram, Facebook, Raymond Francis, Social media users, 2024-08-31
