Coronavirus misinformation on social media could cause a massive HIV drug shortage

This is a molecular illustration of a 2019 novel Coronavirus comparative model.
Photo: Gianluca Tomasello (commons.wikimedia.org)

The Coronavirus outbreak is causing widespread global panic, which is also leading to the spread of misinformation that experts worry will cause a shortage of vital HIV medications.

Newsweek reports that Dr. Sylvie Briand, the director of Global Infectious Hazard Preparedness for the World Health Organization (WHO), is alarmed about an “infodemic” being spread largely through social media that HIV medications can “cure” Coronavirus.

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These rumors can be dangerous to HIV positive people who depend on these drugs, according to Dr. Briand. If too many people go out and buy them, there could be a massive shortage for people living with HIV who need them.

The rumors began after a hospital in Bangkok reported that it had successfully treated multiple Coronavirus patients using a combination of anti-HIV and flu medicines.

After the announcement, news outlets began reporting on the Thai hospital’s success. Claims that a “cure” had been found for Coronavirus began circulating on social media, but experts have worked hard to make it clear that they are still very much in the trial phase….

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