Don’t fall for Donald Trump’s dangerous advice on Covid – Steve Cardownie

The only surprise about President Trump’s admission that he has been taking the anti-malarial medication hydroxychloroquine to avoid contracting Covid-19, despite warnings from his own Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is that some people are surprised.

Surely this President has lost the ability to shock given his track record for saying one thing one moment and contradicting himself the next? Nevertheless, his latest assertion that he is taking the drug could have serious consequences.

He is advising the American population to follow his example by taking a drug which is not licensed for Covid-19, which is potentially dangerous and could lead to fatalities. He said on record that “if it’s not good, I’ll tell you right, I’m not going to get hurt by it”.

Last month the FDA said that hydroxychloroquine has “not been shown to be safe and effective” – warning against the use of the medication outside of hospitals where it has granted temporary use in particular cases.

Already demand has gone through the roof since Trump’s “endorsement” leading to real fears that it may create a shortage, denying it to those who genuinely need it.

Many of Trump’s pronouncements are laughable but some are downright dangerous – his latest undoubtedly falls into the latter category and should be ignored. Should, but the evidence would suggest otherwise.

Will some people never learn?