In today’s digital age, the internet has become an incredible resource for instant access to information.
Whether we are trying to learn about new developments, stay connected with loved ones, or seek advice on health-related matters, all it takes is a few clicks.
However, while this connectivity has reshaped how we gather and share knowledge, it has also brought an unexpected side effect: the rise of misinformation and fake news. This is more dangerous in healthcare.
Unfounded claims, conspiracy theories, and unproven treatments are spreading faster than ever, putting lives at risk.
The consequences of fake news in healthcare are not hypothetical; they are real and can have life-threatening effects.
The Impact of Fake News on Healthcare
1. Delayed Diagnosis
I remember a friend who had severe fatigue and decided to check it out online. After scrolling through a few dubious articles, she convinced herself she just had a vitamin deficiency and could fix it with some supplements she ordered online.
Months later, when her symptoms had not improved, she finally went to the doctor—it turned out she had an autoimmune condition that needed immediate attention.
The delay in proper diagnosis meant that her treatment became more complicated.
This is the reality of misinformation.
It can lead people to misinterpret their symptoms or self-diagnose them incorrectly, often delaying the critical medical help they need.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people believed misleading social media posts that downplayed the severity of the virus, waiting until their symptoms worsened before seeking help.
This delay contributed to increased hospital admissions, with conditions far worse than they might have been had they sought care earlier.
2. Ineffective Treatments
We have all seen those too-good-to-be-true adverts claiming to cure serious diseases with “miracle” products. Whether it is magical oils, miracle water, or “healing” supplements, the internet is flooded with so-called remedies that promise extraordinary results.
A family member of mine once tried one of these “miracle cures” after being diagnosed with a chronic illness. Not only did it waste her time and money, but it also delayed her getting proper treatment.
And she is not alone—countless others fall victim to these scams, sometimes even risking serious harm.
We saw this first hand during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the buzz around hydroxychloroquine.
Many believed it was a miracle drug that could prevent or cure the virus, although no solid evidence was provided.
This is a reminder of how easily false information can spread, even when lives are on the line.
3. Mental Health Consequences
Fake news does not just affect physical health—it takes a toll on our mental well-being, too. In times of uncertainty, sensational headlines can feed our fears, leading to widespread anxiety and stress.
It is hard to know what to trust when bombarded with conflicting information.
I have had my fair share of late-night doom-scrolling, feeling overwhelmed by the flood of alarming health claims during crises like Ebola, COVID-19, and Cholera. This misinformation erodes our trust in reliable sources, making it even harder to find peace of mind.
Fake news also directly targets mental health. Unproven therapies for anxiety or depression can mislead people into trying treatments that offer no real help, delaying or even avoiding professional care.
In the long run, this can make their conditions worse, not better.
How to Spot Fake News in Healthcare
So, how do we protect ourselves from falling for fake health news? Here are some simple steps I have found helpful:
1. Check the Source
Information that is not from a trusted source—like the World Health Organization (WHO), Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or a reputable medical journal—should be disregarded.
Blogs, personal websites, or social media accounts that do not provide credible references should raise a red flag.
2. Verify the Claims
Does the claim seem too good to be true? That is often because it is.
Reliable health information is backed by scientific evidence. If studies or expert opinions are not mentioned, it is most likely misinformation.
Always cross-check what you read with trusted sources.
3. Beware of Sensational Headlines
We have all clicked on a dramatic headline out of curiosity, but fake news often relies on exaggerated claims to get attention.
Be sceptical when you see headlines promising “instant cures” or “quick fixes” without any evidence backing them up.
4. Consult a Professional
When in doubt, talk to a healthcare professional.
Doctors and nurses are your best bet for cutting through the noise and providing real, evidence-based answers to your health questions.
Healthcare Professionals: The First Line of Defence
Doctors and healthcare professionals play a critical role in combating fake news. I sometimes ask my physician questions about things I have read online, and I cannot tell you how valuable those conversations have been.
Health professionals can explain why certain treatments are effective, and others are not, helping us understand the facts behind the noise.
Many doctors are using social media to combat misinformation and spread reliable, fact-based health advice. In doing so, they are helping to restore public trust in science and medicine.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has labelled the rise of fake remedies as a global health risk, particularly in areas with limited access to quality healthcare.
In these regions, misinformation can lead to dangerous health decisions and strain vulnerable health systems.
But fake health news does not just harm individuals. It undermines trust in vaccines, medical institutions, and healthcare professionals, making it harder to deliver essential care.
We all need to take the fight against fake news in healthcare seriously. By promoting media literacy, checking sources, and relying on evidence-based medicine, we can work together to stop the spread of harmful misinformation.
The internet is a powerful tool, therefore it is our responsibility to use it responsibly. Let us commit to being more mindful of the information we share and trust, knowing that the right information can save lives.
Read more: How I Raised Mental Health Awareness Across 50 Schools; Interview With Dr. Emmanuel Ahmadu (Part 1)
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