Question

Think of a controversial topic, myth, or rumor in the field of infectious disease. One example is a rumor that a full cure for HIV has been developed, yet not distributed to the public. Another example includes the use of a “no nit” policy at schools for students with head lice. In addition, according to a recent WHO report, many people think antibiotics cure the flu and that you should discontinue antibiotics once you feel better.

1. State the myth or rumor and why some people believe it. If possible, include specific statistics such as what percent of people may actually believe it.

2. What impact does this myth or rumor have on the ability for medical professionals to effectively treat disease? What impact does it have on the patient or public health?

3. Create an awareness campaign to dispel the myth or rumor. What should the message be? What would be the best method to communicate this to the population affected and/or the general public?

Answer 1

1) Rumor is a tall tale of explanations of events circulating from person to person and pertaining to an object, event, or issue in public concern. Myth is consisting of narrativesstories that play a fundamental role in society, such as foundational tales, mainly about gods.

people believe in myths because it provides a level of comfort not to mention the ability to provide some set of answers which no one around can scientifically do so. People have religions and some people believe in flying saucers.

2) Myths or rumors about health conditions can confuse or misguide people from taking the right treatment of their diseases. Medical science is not about myths but about the facts that are thoroughly researched, experimented and proven. We must not get carried away by the myths blindly and review it from the right perspective of present facts.