Mythbuster
In a 2-3 page paper, answer the following questions. In addition to the researched facts you present as your answer, you may provide opinions and real-world experiences where appropriate.
Research and determine a controversial topic, myth, or rumor in the field of infectious disease. One example is a rumor that a full cure for HIV has been developed, yet not distributed to the public. Another example includes the use of a “no nit” policy at schools for students with head lice. In addition, according to a recent WHO report, many people think antibiotics cure the flu and that you should discontinue antibiotics once you feel better.
- State the myth or rumor and why some people believe it. If possible, include specific statistics such as what percent of people may actually believe it.
- What impact does this myth or rumor have on the ability for medical professionals to effectively treat disease? What impact does it have on the patient or public health?
- Create an awareness campaign to dispel the myth or rumor. What should the message be? What would be the best method to communicate this to the population affected and/or the general public?
The Written Assignment should be 2-3 double spaced pages in length, not including title or reference pages. (No abstract is needed.) Make sure your assignment is APA format with double-spacing, Times New Roman, 12-point font, and 1” margins. Include citations and a list of references in APA format. Edit for spelling and grammar errors. You can get assistance with APA formatting at: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html
Resources to get you started:
Common myths about infections and antibiotics
Common-myths-about-infections-and-antibiotics.pdf
Antibiotic Resistance: Multi-Country Public Awareness Survey
http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/194460/1/9789241509817_eng.pdf?ua=1
Head Lice Information for Schools
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/schools.html
INTRODUCTION
In 2019, an unknown virus broke out in China, and many videos of people suddenly collapsing in the street were posted on video-sharing sites, terrifying people around the world. In addition, as it developed into a global pandemic, various myths and rumors were created, and many people were at the mercy of those. This is what happened during the COVID-19 pandemic we experienced. This assignment will explain why there are so many myths and rumors about infectious diseases and why people believe them. I will also consider how these myths and rumors affect the treatment of infected people and public health, and how to dispel them.
1. State the myth or rumor and why some people believe it. If possible, include specific statistics such as what percent of people may actually believe it.
The following myths have spread around the world in the case of COVID-19:
・An unknown pathogen has eroded the human brain, and once infected, we can never survive.
・This unknown pathogen is the result of an accidental release of a bioweapon.
・COVID-19 is transmitted by mosquitoes.
・COVID-19 is no different from a cold, so preventing it is unnecessary.
・If you eat 〇〇, you will not be infected with COVID-19.
・In the first place, COVID-19 is a fictitious pathogen that does not exist.
・COVID-19 vaccines damage the immune or affect fertility.
Also, before the standard treatment medicine for COVID-19 was founded, some people bought many antibiotics and other drugs based on the superstition that 'when we have a fever, we can take antibiotics, and we will be cured soon' (Evans Medical Group, 2008). But COVID-19 viruses are not killed by antibiotics, and we cannot hope for symptom relief with antibiotics.
The unfactual myths and rumors always arise from people's imaginations, misunderstandings, or deliberate lies. Underlying it is the fear of unknown pathogens and uncontrollable situations. Some people take the problem more seriously than actual situations due to fear, or deny the facts because of the defense mechanism. Also, some people may deliberately spread lies because of their racist ideas. The myths and rumors created in this way spread quickly and widely through social media, etc., fueling people's fears and making them believe in superstitions. This is especially true when the situation is serious or urgent.
According to a survey in 2021, "more than three quarters (78%) of U.S. adults believed or were unsure about at least one false statement, and nearly a third believed at least four of eight false statements tested" (KFF, 2021, para.1).
2. What impact does this myth or rumor have on the ability for medical professionals to effectively treat disease? What impact does it have on the patient or public health?
When people take the problem more seriously than it really is, it leads to hoarding medicines, masks, and even food. In fact, when the COVID-19 pandemic began in Japan, the general public hoarded disinfectants and masks, and there were times when it was not possible to supply disinfectants and masks to medical sites. While understanding medical professionals face much higher risks, many Japanese could not stop hoarding due to fear of what might come next.
On the other hand, those who denied the facts of the COVID-19 pandemic did not wear masks, refused to be vaccinated, and did not cooperate with government restrictions on going out. Many of them actually contracted COVID-19 and spread it to those around them. In addition, many large-scale clusters occurred at nightclubs and large-scale events, putting medical care under strain.
As a result of the shortage of medical supplies and the occurrence of massive clusters, many hospitals in Japan were unable to accept patients, and many patients who could have survived if they had received treatment lost their lives. Among them were not only the elderly, but also young people in their 20s and 30s.
3. Create an awareness campaign to dispel the myth or rumor. What should the message be? What would be the best method to communicate this to the population affected and/or the general public?
Campaign to dispel the COVID-19 myth or rumor
・Issueing statements that refute the myths based on accurate data.
・Calling on people not to be overly anxious and distort the facts, but evaluate the truth with a calm mind.
・Requesting people to not post any information without evidence on SNS, even if it seems true.
・Asking experts to write articles that explain the facts at a level that lay people can understand.
・Publicizing correct information through YouTube, Google advertisements, etc.
CONCLUSION
The unfactual myths and rumors always arise from people's imaginations, misunderstandings, or deliberate lies. Underlying it is the fear of unknown pathogens and uncontrollable situations. Some people take the problem more seriously than actual situations due to fear or deny the facts because of the defense mechanism. These myths or rumors will never help promote public health. Publicizing that information and calling on people to calm down through YouTube, Google advertisements, etc., might be the best method to tell facts to the general public.
Thank you for reading, guys:) (859 words)
References
Evans Medical Group. (2008). Common myths about infections and antibiotics. Retrieved from https://your.uopeople.edu/
KFF. (2021). Covid-19 misinformation is ubiquitous: 78% of the public believes or is unsure about at least one false statement, and nearly a third believe at least four of eight false statements tested. Retrieved from https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/press-release/covid-19-misinformation-is-ubiquitous-78-of-the-public-believes-or-is-unsure-about-at-least-one-false-statement-and-nearly-at-third-believe-at-least-four-of-eight-false-statements-tested/
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