False information deadlier than COVID-19

Why is it important to stop soft-pedaling or downplaying the issue about COVID-19 and be transparent about the true situation?

If you read the comment section of the Department of Health’s daily COVID-19 update, many people insist that the pandemic is a mere conspiracy by those wanting to control the public and manipulate the global economy. According to them, the rise of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines is a political play to increase the 2021 budget or PhilHealth claims, and create more leeway for corruption. Some express fear that those with simple cough and colds brought about by the rainy season will be tagged as COVID-19-positive.

You know what’s deadlier than COVID-19? False information!

If you are in the medical field, you know that the pathophysiology of the disease will contradict these self-proclaimed experts’ opinions. But accepting evidence-

based medicine will never be easy because we grew up having tuob, or taking Royal Tru-Orange and King Flakes crackers whenever we were sick. Health education will never be easy even for that enduring disease, tuberculosis. In far-flung areas, abortion is believed to be caused by aswang; heatstroke is called tabardilyo in my hometown; and worse, if you happen to have severe weight loss from cancer, you might be labeled as nakatin-o or napatiawan. X-rays are taken by the albularyo by making a dwende form with dripping candle in a glass of water.

Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology are not part of “mga kwento ni Lola Basyang” during brownout. Treatment is delayed, and when people die, it’s because “kinuha ng engkanto.”

Chismis, most of the time, is mightier than the doctor’s advice.

It spreads faster and is followed more closely by the kapitbahay.

Perhaps because we doctors become so busy and overwhelmed by the bulk of patients, we forget to take time to do proper health education. Many of us also lack communication skills. We become so focused on treating illness that we tend to neglect promoting health. Even our role as health care workers is being displaced by men in uniform (they’re now doing tuli, bunot-ngipin, swab testing, and recently, giving out COVID-19 flyers).

It will be more difficult if health is manipulated by politics—having authorized persons outside residence, for instance, irresponsibly spread the virus with the government not doing anything about it. The pandemic is not a contest of who gets zero cases at the expense of putting the public’s safety at risk. People should be made aware if there is an ongoing local transmission. Transparency and honesty will prod the people to be more cautious, and help escalate contact tracing efforts.

CHINIE LASS
Physician
Monreal, Masbate