DavidPerlmutterMD · 2020-04-02 · David Perlmutter, Michelle Norris (host)

Coronavirus Conversations - Day 21

Health

30 research-tied claims examined: 1 contradicted 2 overstated 5 context 20 supported 1 corroborated online 1 unverified

Overstated

0:27:20 David Perlmutteroverstatedmoderate

Coronavirus remains transmissible on cardboard surfaces for as long as 48 hours.

"And you know, it does bring up an interesting idea, and that is that this virus remains transmissible on surfaces for quite some time. Cardboard, for example, for as long as 48 hours." (said at 0:27:20)

The claim overstates the persistence of viable SARS-CoV-2 on cardboard surfaces. Landmark experimental studies measuring SARS-CoV-2 surface stability found that viable virus on cardboard dropped significantly faster than on non-porous surfaces, remaining detectable for up to 24 hours rather than 48 hours (whereas non-porous surfaces like plastic and stainless steel retained viable virus for up to 72 hours). Comparative laboratory investigations confirm that viral load undergoes rapid decay on cardboard relative to other daily-use materials (PMID: 37483123).

partial: A comparative study on the persistence and viability of SARS-CoV-2 wild-type and omicron v… (Emerging microbes & infections 2023) · cited 5x in the literature
"A rapid decay of the viral load was revealed on cardboard, mostly for the omicron variant." (abstract, results, passage verified)
pubmed full study (doi)

0:37:02 David Perlmutteroverstatedmoderate

Between 70% and 80% of COVID-19 patients placed on a mechanical ventilator die.

"You know, 70 to 80 percent of people who go on a ventilator die." (said at 0:37:02)

The claim overstates the general mortality rate for mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients. A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of 69 studies including 57,420 adult patients found an overall pooled case fatality rate (CFR) of 45% (95% CI, 39%–52%). While mortality rates did reach 70% to 84% in specific subgroups, such as elderly patients over 80 years of age (84.4%) or during early pandemic surges in strained health systems, the overall mortality across the general population receiving invasive mechanical ventilation was approximately 45%.

partial: Case Fatality Rates for Patients with COVID-19 Requiring Invasive Mechanical Ventilation. … (American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine 2021) · cited 388x in the literature
"Sixty-nine studies were included, describing 57,420 adult patients with COVID-19 who received IMV. Overall reported CFR was estimated as 45% (95% confidence interval [CI], 39-52%)... Among studies in which age-stratified CFR was available, pooled CFR estimates ranged from 47.9% (95% CI, 46.4-49.4%) in younger patients (age ≤40 yr) to 84.4% (95% CI, 83.3-85.4%) in older patients (age >80 yr)." (abstract, results)
pubmed full study (doi)

Unverified means no publication matching the claim was located; it does not prove the claim false. Spotted an error? See the corrections policy - disputes from the people quoted are prioritized.