Risk Communication During COVID-19

Abstract

During the unprecedented times caused by the novel coronavirus disease 2019, there is rapidly evolving information and guidance. However, a focus must also be on proper and effective risk communication. This is especially the case during pandemics that have high rates of infection, significant morbidity, lack of therapeutic measures, and rapid increases in cases, all of which apply to the current coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. A consequence of poor risk communication and heightened risk perception is hoarding behavior, which can lead to lack of medications and personal protective equipment. One potential way to ensure appropriate risk communication is using social media channels, and ensuring an ongoing consistent media presence. Another important step is to include all stakeholders including members of the allergy community in broader public health messaging. As we continue to face unprecedented times in the allergy community, an understanding and appreciation of risk communication will be essential as we communicate with, and inform, our patients, and our colleagues, moving forward. Ó

Covid-19 Related Reduction in Paediatric Emergency Healthcare Utilization – A Concerning Trend

“…In this context, effective public health communication appears to be a key factor, not only in ghting the spread of COVID-19, but in preventing healthcare avoidance for those in need [12,16]. Currently, limited scienti c understanding of the virus and its spread impedes evidence-based guidance for the public, which poses a signi cant challenge to health communicators worldwide [2]. However, pediatricians should emphasize to parents and young patients that the risks of avoiding hospital care in emergencies may exceed that of contracting SARS-CoV-2.…”

“…Despite efforts to contain the virus, COVID-19 cases emerged all over the world, and the WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern on January 30th. On March 11th 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak was o cially designated a pandemic [2].…”

Asthma and COVID-19: What do we know now

“…This is multi-factorial including the recent increase proportion of patients switching to metered-dose treatments from nebulized treatments since the later increases risk of viral aerosolization and viral transmission. 59 In addition, several countries have put restrictions on prescription medication, such as bronchodilators, to reduce unnecessary stockpiling of these medications. In asthmatic patients, this reduced availability of routine medications and fear of visiting crowded emergency facilities could result in an increase of asthmatic morbidity in the general public.…”

COVID-19 related reduction in pediatric emergency healthcare utilization – a concerning trend

“…Despite efforts to contain the virus, COVID-19 cases emerged all over the world, and the WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern on January 30th. On March 11th 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak was officially designated a pandemic [2].…”