Charlie:
Absolutely correct. The lead on this issue must come from the scientific experts. And both of us have referenced the rigors of true scientific study, and that outcomes are not something that lends to casual chatter among the lay public and anecdotal information. I have no problem hearing any of these anecdotes, and giving a response like, “sounds interesting”. But the uneducated public takes these tidbits of info and they run wild. And the media is no better. One of these days, someone might produce a best seller documenting some of the wildest and most ridiculous things that were circulated among the lay public (social media is a major culprit here) as panaceas.
I know quite a few people who were sick and B”H recovered. The course of their illness was marked by their particular pattern of symptoms, plus a barrage of messages from friends, family, and others about how they need to start running to certain doctors, requesting certain medications, etc. Let’s not omit the plethora of snake oil suggestions that mean absolutely nothing.
I wish the discussion about all these things was dominated by those with the knowledge and training, topped off with scientific responsibility. It is likely that in these days of twitter, facebook, and other social media, these hopes are futile.