Letter from the Editor: The need for accurate reporting
In recent weeks, the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, has dominated the media across the globe.
According to a telebriefing that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) held earlier this week, we're able to be looking at a pandemic in america.
Because the telebriefing, in the U.S., the CDC have confirmed a possible instance of community spread of SARS-CoV-2, which may be the virus that triggers COVID-19.
There has been an array of mixed messages, misinformation, and conspiracy theories in the press surrounding COVID-19. How concerned should we be? Has the scope of the virus been understated or blown out of proportion?
Dr. Tedros Adhanom, director general of the World Health Organization (WHO), recently shared some wise words in a press briefing:
“Fear and panic doesn’t help. People can have concerns and rightly so. People could be worried and rightly so. The main thing is to relax and do the right what to fight this very dangerous virus.”
The widespread confusion surrounding COVID-19 highlights the value of accurate, balanced, evidence-based health news and information. As a respected health website, it’s our duty to provide just that.
The Medical News Today editorial team has been busy keeping on top of the latest medical research on COVID-19, as well as the latest information coming directly from the CDC and the WHO.
We recently reported on a report that investigated how long coronaviruses can survive on surfaces, a discovering that could provide important insights for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
Another piece of research that we covered this month may offer significant insight into the origins of COVID-19; scientists discovered that SARS-CoV-2 may have passed to humans from scaly mammals called pangolins.
It’s likely that COVID-19 will continue steadily to dominate the media for weeks to come. While it’s undoubtedly vital that you keep informed of the most recent developments around the virus, it’s also important not to lose sight of the incredible advancements happening in the world of health and medicine.
We recently reported on a report that revealed how researchers used stem cells to cure type 1 diabetes in mice, a discovery that could bring us one step nearer to a cure for humans. In another article, we revealed that scientists have found ways to save neurons in Alzheimer’s disease mouse models, that could yield new treatments for humans with the condition.
Other content which has piqued your interest this month includes our article on the causes of discharge after sex, together with our article on Bowen’s disease.
We also took a deep dive into nutrition research and looked at why this topics is indeed difficult to study.
It could be challenging to keep a positive mindset when the media presents us with what feels like a consistent flow of doom and gloom. I’ve found our article on coping with news anxiety helpful, and it includes this great little bit of advice from Katherine C. Nordal, Ph.D., the executive director for professional practice at the American Psychological Association (APA):
“Read enough to remain informed, but then plan activities that provide you a normal break from the problems and the stress they might cause. And be sure you care for yourself and focus on other areas you will ever have.”
Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com
