If you’re looking for information about COVID-19 aka the Coronavirus, then you’re in the right place.
People are increasingly turning to the Internet for updates on the spread of the coronavirus. We all want to find out more about its origins and symptoms. Plus we need to know how to prevent the spread of the coronavirus worldwide. There is ongoing conflicting information online.
However Internet health expert Burton Paul has the latest advice on the best places to search for credible health information online about the pandemic. He has top tips on which websites to visit for the best information. Ideally this will stop the spread of misinformation and ultimately will educate and empower rather than scare and engender panic.
COVID-19 – The Coronavirus
Given all that is happening right now, every media outlet has its own spin on what is happening with COVID-19.
How do we know what to believe? And how does it affect you if you are over 50?
Firstly, lets’ start with where you can find the best and most reliable sources of information on coronavirus. In the UK, we have three solid sources:
1. The Gov.Uk website
The www.gov.uk main page links you to some very useful information sources. By simply searching for coronavirus in the main search bar, you will reach this page: www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public.
2. The Department of Health and Public Health England
https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/coronavirus.htm
3. NHS.UK – The NHS website
Previously known as NHS Choices, this site also has an updated page on the coronavirus: www.nhs.uk/conditions/wuhan-novel-coronavirus/
Information On Coronavirus aka COVID-19
In addition, three of the most credible sources of information on infectious diseases include The World Health Organisation where you’ll be able to find daily situation reports:. And they also feature a section on travel.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has really useful information too. They also have one of the best Apps that you can download to your phone that gives daily Threat Reports. These reports offer a full picture of the geographical spread of the virus globally.
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention is just as reliable as the ECDC and WHO. The best part about this website is that it has a Travel Location checker. All you have to do is enter the city you wish to travel to, and it provides you with updated local virus alert information.
Coronavirus And Older People
How does the virus affect you if you are older or have an underlying health condition? The following websites have also been reporting on the effect of the coronavirus for older people.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living has a very informative article: acl.gov/COVID-19
The national council on ageing also has an interesting blog: www.ncoa.org/blog/coronavirus-what-older-adults-need-to-know/.
For general health information for over 50s and seniors, you can find a wonderful range of health resources online that cover everything from healthy eating to dementia awareness. Most of these links below are specific sections from leading general health information websites under the heading of Seniors or Healthy Ageing, and are all well worth a visit:
patient.info/senior-health
www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/default.htm
www.nia.nih.gov
www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/basics/healthy-aging-over-50/hlv-20049407
For further information on this and the current coronavirus pandemic, please visit www.isitserious.org/coronavirus.
Burton Paul says, “The spread of misinformation about the coronavirus is dangerous. It’s important that the public has access to the best, most up-to-date and most accurate health information possible during an outbreak. Coronavirus is still a new virus, so there is a risk that viral guesswork online as well as conflicting advice – on social media for example – will cause a serious amount of panic.”
By Burton Paul, healthcare specialist with decades of experience in the industry, and author of Is It Serious? How to Search for Health Information on the Internet, £9.99
