Why did so many turn to ivermectin instead of vaccines?
A box of ivermectin is shown in a pharmacy as pharmacists work in the background, Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in Ga. At least two dozen lawsuits have been filed around the U.S., many in recent weeks by people seeking to force hospitals to give their COVID-stricken loved ones ivermectin, a drug for parasites that has been promoted by conservative commentators as a treatment despite a lack of conclusive evidence that it helps people with the virus. AP Photo/Mike Stewart
Before this year, you may have heard of the drug Ivermectin if you were unfortunate enough to have head lice. Or, you may have heard of it if you were a veterinarian working with horses. But recently this drug, of which there is a human version and an animal version, has been in the news because people are using Ivermectin, without any evidence, for the treatment of COVID-19. Doctors say not only is this NOT an effective way to treat COVID-19. It's incredibly dangerous.
So how did a drug like ivermectin, found at farm supply stores, become a risky and unproven treatment for COVID that patients in some states demanded that their doctors give them? The 21st was joined by a health reporter who dug into the story.
GUEST:
Farah Yousry
Reporter covering health equity for Side Effects Public Media
Not a single scientific or health authority in the U.S. recommends the use of the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID-19. Still, some Americans see the unproven drug as a way out of the pandemic. (story by @Farah_Yousrym) https://t.co/0zw9z5EXUW
— Side Effects (@SideEffectsNews) December 10, 2021
Prepared for web by Owen Henderson
Help shape our coverage on The 21st by joining our texting group and answering weekly questions. To join, text “TALK” to 217-803-0730 or sign up with your phone number below: