3D medical animation still shot showing structure of a coronavirus — Wikimedia, Creative Commons license

Experts, Evidence & Hydroxychloroquine

Always Be Evaluating Your Sources—Especially During a Pandemic

*Updated July 31, 2020 to include additional significant randomized studies, including those examining the use of hydroxychloroquine as a preventative measure

Can I provide an illustration of why it’s always important to consider evidence from multiple authoritative sources when studying subjects like COVID-19, the use of masks, and in this case, the use of hydroxychloroquine? Especially during this time of pandemic. (But, really, this strategy applies to any subject.)

If I were to look for something that initially seems compelling (as a non expert, non epidemiologist) on the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine in treating COVID, this Newsweek essay by Yale professor Harvey Risch certainly might grab my attention.

The key to defeating COVID-19 already exists. We need to start using it | Opinion

I read that piece and though some of it sounded compelling, it seemed to me like Risch was making some leaps in causality with his examples of Brazil and Switzerland. Turns out David Gorski—who knows the subject much better than…