The Internet is possibly the single most powerful tool of the 21st century. This information superhighway gets us fast results for any number of queries we have about news, entertainment, and even our health. Then there is the ability to communicate – social media platforms allow us to connect with people across the globe and the little thing of your phone’s notification instantly lets you know when someone wishes to talk. But what implications does this have during a global pandemic? Experts are now calling it an infodemic, and it is a lot more dangerous than most realise. Here we discuss how to steer clear of dangerous myths and partner with your general practitioner when it comes to accurate health information.
What is an Infodemic?
An informal term, infodemic is a word that seems to have sprung up overnight and essentially finds its meaning in the words, “information” and “epidemic”. This is likely because, like a disease, information spreads like wildfire and does plenty of damage when it is not carefully handled. When an excessive amount of information exists surrounding an issue, it becomes difficult to know what is true and what isn’t, which might inevitably slow the solutions to the problem. In terms of the COVID-19 quarantine culture we are experiencing in 2020, there is no shortage of information – all claiming to be true. Some scientists tout one solution, others the opposite. Even government officials in most countries have difficulty staying up to date with which information can be trusted. Now, more than ever, it is essential to speak to your general practitioner when it comes to your concerns about your health and how to move forward with your wellbeing.
Not Everything You Read is True
The problem with social media is that posts which may seem factual could contain many falsities, and there is no way to know this without a little research. Chatting applications are also notorious for chain messages from supposed medical or health professionals that are passed along, inciting further panic and spreading potentially harmful misinformation. It is impossible to curate this misinformation, too, and it often comes from people in positions of authority that the public trusts. So, who can one trust, and how can a general practitioner help?
Firstly, it is important to take the time to do your research. Data from The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and international sites such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) keep up with scientific breakthroughs and statistics, and remain a far better source of information than a captioned post on social media. It is also essential that if you do come across any information you feel might be relevant to your own health, that you speak to your general practitioner about it. Here at Intercare, for example, our healthcare professionals keep up with developments in the field and can offer professional insight into any information making the rounds in the media.
Science Changes – We Need to Keep Up
What makes the COVID-19 pandemic so difficult to manage is not just the infodemic that has come along with it, but that we are still learning about the virus. The more time we spend looking into it, the more information emerges. At this stage, it seems as though any conclusions scientists have made in the past are changing daily, but this implies transparency in scientific progress – not an attempt to confuse the public. Talking to your general practitioner about any worrying information you come across is a great way to filter out what is, isn’t, and might be true.
Prioritising Your Mental Wellbeing
Along with the distrust for medical science and fear the infodemic introduces, it could also have a negative impact on one’s mental health. With every conversation and news outlet oversaturated with the topic of the COVID-19 outbreak, it is challenging to take a step back from it all. A chat with your general practitioner won’t just help you clear up any misinformation, but it may be an essential step towards caring for your mental wellness to speak to someone you trust about how it’s all affecting you.
If you are looking for compassionate medical care and wellbeing support during this time, please feel free to make a booking with a professional Intercare general practitioner today. Our online booking system is easy to navigate and takes no time at all.