Michael Teng of USF is advising against the use of ivermectin, a medication meant for parasite infection, as a treatment for COVID-19. The treatment lacks scientific support and carries the risk of overdosing and poisoning if misused, as witnessed by the surge in cases reported by state poison control centers in Florida, Texas, and Mississippi.

“It’s troubling that people are putting their faith in a drug not proven to be effective against COVID,” Teng says. “I wish people would just take the vaccine.” Teng also notes that people taking ivermectin at high doses are likely to be poisoned.

• Michael Teng