Media Generated Mass Hysteria and the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19 Virus)

The media loves to create hype, even if what results from their exaggerations and lack of all the facts creates hysteria. Add in Karen from HR who thinks they know everything and 24-hour news coverage, this old phenomenon of mass hysteria has seemingly become worse in the digital new age. Take the recent hype around the Novel Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19 virus. We are not saying Covid-19 is not dangerous, because it can be, but do you really need to be hoarding toilet paper and cans of soup? Find out more in the latest episode of Better Than Human, where  Amber and Jennifer discuss mass hysteria, if a virus is alive or not, how Covid-19 likely started, and lay out the facts thus far. We talk the facts and myths, and why quarantines and isolation are the best way to stop the virus.

Note: This podcast episode was made before Covid-19 spread wide and far outside of China, so some of our statistics are outdated. Remember, wash your hands, practice social distancing if you can, and be safe. Like I said in the podcast, the majority of us if we got coronavirus would have mild symptoms and would be just fine. However, we all know someone with an immune disorder or a weakened immune system who might have a severe reaction to the virus. Quarantines and social distancing prevent the disease from spreading, which prevents our hospitals from becoming overloaded with patients they might not have enough room for, and helps prevent the spread of infection to those in our community who have a weakened immune system and who the Covid-19 might be fatal for. But, quarantine and social distancing also does not mean start panicking. For more, check our newest episode on Covid-19 with updated information.