COVID-19: Information and misinformation
Published: 17 Feb 2020
The Singapore Government recently raised the alert level to Dorscon (Disease Outbreak Response System Condition) orange in view of the emergence of recent coronavirus cases with no known links to any previous cases or clusters, and the possibility of wider spread in the community. Alongside that, there are many misconceptions regarding the virulence of the virus, exacerbated by the online spread of misinformation that have sprung up.
Estimates and opinions on the virus’ virulence are not entirely accurate because most of the reports have not accounted for ascertainment bias and for the immune system’s variation in response – two empirical concepts proven through everyday medical care.
Immune system variation is evident in other infectious diseases, for instance hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).
HFMD is an infection that causes rashes and painful ulcers in the mouth; it usually affects children. When an adult contracts HFMD – usually the young, strong, healthy adult parent of the infected child – the adult tends to have more pain and more ulcers, compared with the average child.
Adults tend to have more mature immune systems than children. When they get an infection, their body mounts a “stronger response”. This response can be too strong and end up causing extra damage to the person. This response is also responsible for the additional problems and complications they develop, compared with children or other adults with “weaker” immune systems. Thus, having a “stronger immune system” is actually a disadvantage for some infections.
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