Here’s your prescription

ACADEMICS will have a field day in years to come, analysing how social media and access to instant information has shaped the COVID-19 pandemic as compared to, say, the 1918 influenza pandemic.

Social media led to the first Townsville COVID-19 case becoming public while it seems the formal press release was still being drafted. This is nothing to be upset about, it just reflects the new world and the way people choose to get their information.

Instant news updates and social media posts mean we can check on each other and the world quickly and easily, we can look at what other countries have experienced to predict our own path, and ideally it means we can educate ourselves on how to prepare better.

Unfortunately, social media has also led to misinformation which can be downright dangerous. My favourite patient statement yesterday was: “You can test yourself for COVID-19 by holding your breath for 10 seconds every morning”.

I will admit that at first my scientific brain started processing how it could be true, but then I got a headache. I have read the theory that drinking water every 15 minutes would wash the virus down to the stomach, or a suggestion that a celery diet would save you, and I have had lots of queries as to which vitamin might save them.

Oh, I wish it was as easy as all of this and I will let all my patients know as soon as we find out which test or pill you need to take (that actually works). Stick with reputable sources like the Queensland Health COVID-19 website. Wash your hands; cover your cough; stay home with any mild cold or flu symptoms; work from home if you can; eat a diet loaded with vegetables and nutrients, exercise (while still social distancing), take time out for your mental health. If you are in the high risk group for bad outcomes start planning some home improvements or a movie library.

If you are more than mildly unwell call your GP clinic and ask for telehealth. Leave the Emergency Department, fever clinics and GP waiting rooms for those who really need it. Oh, and get your flu jab.