COVID-19 information- How to make sense of it all?

A deluge of COVID-19 social media posts will have you wondering you how to identify trustworthy information and resources.

WHO wrote it and WHERE is it from?

Check the author’s expertise and credentials…and look for the original source.

Take to social media posts and news headlines with a grain of salt. Cross-Check info with reputable sources, such as the Public Health Agency of Canada or BCCDC.ca.

Remember however that reputable sources may make a misstep when rushing to get info out. For instance, some studies are being published before undergoing peer review…others are being retracted.

WHAT is being presented?

Be leery of info that sounds too good to be true or triggers emotion. Reliable resources don’t use terms such as “the best” or “clinically proven.”

Do not rely on ads or testimonials…and watch for conflicts of interest, such as an author trying to promote a product.

Also help put study outcomes in perspective.

For example, early reports that hydroxychloroquine prevents SARS-CoV-2 from multiplying in a lab haven’t panned out in humans…and hydroxychloroquine isn’t likely to be effective for treating COVID-19.

WHEN was it written?

Pay attention to publication dates…especially with quickly evolving COVID-19 recommendations.

For instance, within a 1-month period, hydroxychloroquine was touted as a potential treatment for COVID-19…then experts cautioned about risk of arrhythmias and avoiding use outside of clinical trials.

Explain that each clinical trial is just one piece of the puzzle…and sometimes we need to “watch and wait,” even in a pandemic.

For example, many experts advise limiting steroids for COVID-19. A new trial suggests dexamethasone improves outcomes in severe cases. All early data should be approached cautiously.

Expect meds for COVID-19 to continue to be a moving target.