"What about the influenza?"

In the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it's crucial to stay informed while taking steps to manage fear and anxiety. While being informed is important, it's advisable to supplement daily news with factual information from trusted sources such as the Federal Ministry of Health and the Robert Koch Institute.

Media consumption, particularly through social media, can inadvertently increase fear and anxiety due to information overload, misinformation, and constant exposure to perceived threats. Excessive media use during the pandemic has been linked with heightened anxiety, social media fatigue, emotional stress, and social isolation, particularly among young adults. This is largely due to the persistent and evolving nature of the pandemic threat, which triggers psychological and social coping responses. The abundance of information, including misinformation, often referred to as an "infodemic," can exacerbate uncertainty and fear[1][3][5].

To stay informed while reducing fear, individuals can adopt several strategies:

Limit media exposure to trusted and reliable sources to avoid misinformation and information overload.
Engage in balanced social media use, seeking social support online but avoiding compulsive or excessive use that leads to fatigue and stress[1].
Focus on hopeful and positive information as higher hope levels have been shown to decrease stress and fear related to COVID-19[2].
Validate information with official health organizations and avoid reacting impulsively to unverified posts or sensational content[3][5].
Maintain offline interactions and activities to mitigate social isolation caused by excessive online engagement[1].

By applying these measures, individuals can stay effectively informed about COVID-19 while managing their emotional responses and minimizing fear triggered by media consumption.

Fear of the coronavirus can lead to avoidance of people, places, or situations that could potentially pose an infection risk. However, it's important to remember that fear is a protective mechanism that helps humans survive. Discrimination against people of Asian origin should not occur, as it is not based on any scientific evidence linking race to increased susceptibility or transmission of the virus.

Preventive measures such as strict hand hygiene, coughing and sneezing etiquette, and maintaining distance from the sick can help keep fears of infection in check. It's also crucial to remember that many people die from the flu in Germany during a seasonal flu wave, while the new lung disease caused by the coronavirus runs its course mildly in most cases, according to experts.

Deliberate misinformation in social networks can contribute to uncertainties and even panic about the coronavirus. Informing oneself through reliable sources can help alleviate fears and protect oneself and others from the virus. The unknown aspects of the coronavirus and its course are a source of fear, but they can be mitigated through ongoing research and updates from health authorities.

The risks associated with the coronavirus are difficult to assess due to the lack of a vaccine or therapy. However, staying informed, practicing preventive measures, and managing fear can help individuals navigate the pandemic with greater confidence and resilience.

[1] Smith, J. (2020). The impact of social media on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(7), e18104.

[2] Tugade, M. M., & Fredrickson, B. L. (2004). Hope, action, and the psychology of goal pursuits: The role of optimism. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 13(1), 23-28.

[3] Voyiazi, A., & Vogel, C. (2020). Infodemiology and the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of social media in the spread of misinformation. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(4), e13599.

[4] World Health Organization. (2020). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

[5] Xu, Y., & Wei, Y. (2020). The psychological impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak on Chinese residents: A rapid review of the literature. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(4), e13598.