Methods to fight incorrect information about the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Begin
“Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID19)”, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus
It is an infectious disease. The disease first
December 2019 in Wuhan city of China
fever, cough, shortness of breath
with respiratory symptoms in the form of
defined in a group of patients.”1 Disease,
in the world, after the
continued its spread. Continents of the disease
widespread and serious in many countries.
World Health due to its
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the epidemic
on multiple continents and in many countries
for epidemic diseases
declared as a "pandemic".
In the pandemic, on the one hand, the disease
treatment of existing patients and
efforts to prevent the spread
along with new information
are acquired, scientific studies are carried out,
approaches are updated frequently.2,3
Right at the right time about the disease
for the full implementation of the
information resources are complete, up-to-date and evidenced
3 In this regard,
different in society from the very beginning.
channels are informed.
Public and other sources of information
closely monitored by healthcare professionals
4 However, COVID-19
misdirection of society in the process
that there is false information that causes
data is also included.5
In this article, with COVID-19
misinformation existing in the relevant society
recommendations to prevent the spread of
intended to be presented. In the content; wrong
current concepts of information, COVID-19
examples of false information in the process, the situation
of possible causes and solutions
recommendations are included.
Misinformation in the COVID-19 process and
samples
Regarding the New Coronavirus Disease
causing confusion in society
and health behaviors
There is incorrect information. Incorrect information
“Due to the lack of scientific evidence,
a claim that is false at the moment”
is defined. Incorrect information restriction
spread without any
improvement, refereeing or professional
does not require verification.6
Spread of misinformation in society
The word “infodemia” in recent times
widely used in the scientific literature.
Infodemic as an epidemic of misinformation
7 “Disinformation”
The word also refers to false or misleading information.
refers to. Such false information
threatens public health.8
Examples of misinformation/infodemia
World Health Organization (WHO)
widely known by the
Some of the “false” information include; "New
coronavirus in hot and humid regions
not contagious”, “Coronavirus in cold weather
dies”, “Taking a shower with very hot water causes illness.
avoids being caught”, “Nose and mouth tidy
rinsing with salt water
prevent coronavirus disease”, “Garlic
protects from coronavirus”, “Pets are new
being infected with coronavirus
can transmit”, “Antibiotics can cause coronavirus
may benefit”, “New Coronavirus
only the elderly and chronic disease
discourses such as “the ones who are affected are affected”9
are available. These statements are made by WHO
currently refuted and truthful
shared with the community.7
misinformation about COVID-19 and
rumors, healthy behavior (hand washing,
social distancing etc.). the virus
increasing its spread and having bad consequences
has led to erroneous practices.
For example, in India, a child with three children
upon hearing of the father's diagnosis of COVID-19
It has been reported that he committed suicide. Again, in Nigeria,
malaria parasite due to infodemi
effective in the treatment of COVID-19
an overdose of a drug thought to be
used.