Coronavirus and homemade tools

[Jon]

Of the examples you listed, "German" is the only one that refers to a specific group of people. That name dates back to 1814, but it's more properly called Rubella since that is the name of the virus. Times change, diseases are named differently now. All of the "Okay" examples listed pre-date the World Health Organization Best Practices for the Naming of New Human Infectious Diseases which was published in May 2015.

"Spanish" also refers to a specific group of people. But, yes, that term's accuracy in regard to the Spanish Flu epidemic is questionable too.

The WHO is free to publish best practices for naming diseases, but they don't have the authority to declare a disease's singular name. Similarly:

-The WHO waited too long to name this a "pandemic".

-The WHO repeated a pseudoscientific line from Chinese authorities that claimed that there is "no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission of the novel coronavirus".

-The WHO changed their medical suggestions about covid treatment after China's reported $20 million donation, to eliminate their warning against "traditional herbal remedies", a favorite of the Chinese. Note this WHO page archive. Click on "Is there anything I should not do?" in regard to treating covid. "Taking traditional herbal remedies" is on the list. Here's the same page today, without the warning. The warning against taking traditional herbal remedies was removed after the donation. Some herbal remedies may help alleviate some symptoms of some diseases, but this change, in light of the donation, was too close for comfort.



More from WSJ: The World Health Organization Draws Flak for Coronavirus Response.

Nevertheless, both of our positions are valid. Others' cries of "racism" are overboard, but yes, you're correct: our naming systems, at least officially, should rely on dry scientific nomenclature. Aggressively naming this "China Flu" is likely a response to China's attempt to blame the US military as the source of Coronavirus.

Regarding vitamin C. Yes, there is some evidence that vitamin C helps immunity, just as there is some evidence that vitamin D helps prevent respiratory infections. However, this advice is nuanced enough (for example, vitamin D may help people who are vitamin D deficient) that most people in most circumstances consuming large doses of these vitamins is not currently thought to have a significant effect. We all have a tendency to hang our hearts on magic pill cures, when the best advice is often difficult - practicing long-term good health: not smoking, not being overweight, avoiding heart disease and cancer risk factors, washing our hands, and living an overall healthy lifestyle.