67.2% of the fake news in 2021 was health related: Study

New Delhi: The unfolding of the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated how the spread of misinformation, amplified on social media and other digital platforms, is proving to be as much a threat to global public health as the virus itself. Though technology advancements and social media create opportunities to keep people safe, informed and connected, these at the same time also enable and amplify the current INFODEMIC that continues to undermine the global response to control the pandemic.

A study published in reputed journal MDPI by Researchers from Dhaka University on ‘Fake News’, came up with very interesting facts like:

– The seven themes of fake news are health, religiopolitical, political, crime,
entertainment, religious, and miscellaneous. Health-related fake news (67.2%) is on the top of the list that includes medicine, medical and healthcare facilities, viral infection, and doctor-patient issues.

– Second, the seven types of fake news content are text, photo, audio, video, text and photo, text and video, and text and photo and video. More fake news takes the form of text and video (47.2%).

– Third, online media produces more fake news (94.4%) than mainstream media (5.6%). More interestingly, four social media platforms: Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube, produce most of the fake news.

– Fourth, relatively more fake news has international connections (54.4%) as
the COVID-19 pandemic is a global phenomenon.

– Fifth, most of the COVID-19-related fake news is negative (63.2%) which could be a real threat to public health.

Indian response to fake news menace

Dr Prof Joe Thomas, Professor of Public Health & the National Course Convenor at the Institute of Health & Management in Rosanna, Victoria, Australia, said “Omicron has the propensity to infect children. The Indian government should increase the healthcare budget initially by 5% and gradually increase it up to 15%. Lockdown is not wise as it incurs an economic burden. It is prudent to follow vaccinations and other preventive measures strictly. As the schools in India have started opening, Indian children may not be infected but could be the carrier of the virus.”

“We work for healthcare improvements through various programmes to bring health impacts in society. Last year, we started COVID Fighters Public Health Safety Movement since the outbreak of COVID in India to bring education and awareness to the masses, which has completed its 500 days and ceaselessly going on. Over 200 healthcare experts have participated who are credible sources for health information,” said Dr Swadeep Srivastava, Founder – HEAL Foundation & HEAL Health.

Dr Srivastava informed, “The show is also live on our following social media channels, namely Facebook and Youtube.

HEAL Foundation’s ‘Health4All Online’ weekly health show sponsored by Mylan Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. – A Viatris Company has gained audiences’ traction with half a million video views in just 10 weekly episodes since its launch in November 2021.During 10 episodes of the show, experts from across various spectra such as public health experts, specialists, experts and officials from government bodies have participated and educated the masses.

Dr Nimesh Gupta, Chief, Vaccine Immunology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Dept. of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India said, “Booster vaccines enhance the quality of immunity. Persons invulnerable might fight Omicron with the current vaccines, but the elderly with compromised immunity won’t be able to combat the infection. Intranasal vaccines will be helpful to protect people from infection.”

Dr Anil Goyal, Honorary Finance Secretary, IMA, said “Booster dose must be given to the frontline healthcare workforce. A booster dose is important for the susceptible population and healthcare workers. The frontline healthcare responders are exposed to various types of infection; hence booster dose is essential for them. The IMA has concluded a booster dose for the healthcare workers after consultation with several epidemiologists and virologists. In the new year, don’t forget to wear a mask and maintain social distancing to keep yourself protected from the infection.”

Dr Sanjay Kumar Rai, Professor, Dept. of Community Medicine, AIIMS, New Delhi, President, IPHA said, “Vaccine’s bypass natural immunity. However, there might not be any severity if Omicron infection happens. The efficacy of existing vaccines is not as effective as it was against the virus that originated from Wuhan. Moreover, natural infection provides long-term protection against the virus. It is better to move towards normalcy with due precaution and care in the new year 2022, but no need to fear.”