There are more preferred treatments for malaria now, and one must presume they’re using them in India. India does not have the wherewithal to execute many tests, and because they cannot test they cannot declare infections. That’s the more likely explanation.
I got no dog in the hydrochloroquine fight. I can tell you that malaria is not a virus. I have no idea why the first doc in China to ever try it chose to try it because it’s not an antiviral. Where there is smoke there is fire and for whatever reason someone tried it and there is so much smoke out there that it probably has some positive effect. Calling it the salvation treatment that will stop all of the virus’ effects on society is just setting everyone up for dashed expectations. It’s likely to help some people at certain stages of the disease, but it’s not an antiviral I’m so it’s not likely to help all people at all stages of the disease. But I suspect thorough clinical trials are going to find it’s beneficial.
One other data item. We can expect India to have a reasonably low death rate from this virus. The reason why is the age concentration of deaths. India has a life expectancy of less than 70 years old. Frankly put, they die before the virus can get them.
All excellent points!
India is vastly more technologically advanced than you think.
You don't know what you are talking about.
You are not making any sense here. Life expectancy in India is about 70 years old. Most coronavirus deaths are over 60. How on earth do you claim Indians die before they get to an age that they can get coronavirus then?
If all people under 70 before they can be infected by the virus as you claim, then why is the US and Europe in economy ruining lock downs for everybody and not just the over over 70?
> I have no idea why the first doc in China to ever try it chose to try it because it’s not an antiviral.
There was an in vitro study several years ago that showed HCQ effective against SARS, also a coronavirus. So that’s a possibility.
There are reports that the virus attacks hemoglobin, just like the malaria bacteria. If accurate the reason for success may be there.
The virus attacks the part of our cells that carry oxygen to/through our bodies. The malaria drug protects that particular cell component from attack. Hence its effectiveness in spite of not being an anti-viral.
Also why early/prophylactic treatmet is effective.