4. The Politics of Health: Public Health & Misinformation

The data are still out, but scientists are optimistic for partial protection.

As well as fighting to keep Covid patients alive, NHS staff are now battling a surge in abuse and denial in the second wave. Dr Rachel Clarke on how she is coping – and what gives her hope

Two psychiatrists offer advice on distinguishing between belief in conspiracies and outright delusions.

Leaders in the Global South and global health advocates are increasingly decrying vaccine hoarding by richer countries.

The counselors are themselves a kind of prophylaxis. Their job is to ask about parents’ worries long before anyone’s trying to vaccinate their kids.

Don’t try to change someone else’s mind. Instead, help them find their own motivation to change.

A video shared over 8,300 times on Facebook makes false claims about the optional microchip that could be contained within the syringes label of the eventual COVID-19 vaccine. The video alleges that the microchip “would give officials information on who has and has not been vaccinated” and “track the location of the patient”. These claims are false.

Those who wear masks may have trouble appreciating the degree of alienation experienced by people engaging in dangerous behaviour. Business owners will continue to promote conspiracy theories to try to open the economy. Notwithstanding these challenges, a critical recognition of science and power will not only help stop COVID but also make us more resilient in the face of the next crisis.

Israel’s world-beating vaccine rollout is highlighting the inequalities of life under occupation.

"I completely understand how exhausted everyone can be. But I think you have to remember the sacrifices we make aren't for nothing."

Figures from the new age, wellness and alternative lifestyle scenes have fallen down the COVID conspiracy rabbit hole, forming an unlikely anti-lockdown alliance with the far-right.

The Great Reset conspiracy theory blends together legitimate critiques with truly dangerous anti-vaccination fantasies and outright coronavirus denialism.

People tracking their descent into paranoia are already concerned about what could go wrong.

It’s no secret that political candidates running for office face a barrage of personal attacks on the campaign trail — t

Nonsense does as well as facts on social media, and it’s hard to separate the unorthodox from the entirely unreal, writes Navneet Alang.

“There will be a period of epic withdrawal,” warned one addiction specialist, once schools, activities and social life return to normal.

QAnon, the baseless far-right conspiracy theory, has gone from anonymous message boards into the mainstream. It's even found a home in the yoga world.

Self-enhancement through spiritual practices can fool some of us into thinking we’re evolving and growing when all we’re growing is our ego

The brain is surprisingly changeable.

So much hope is riding on a breakthrough, but a vaccine is only the beginning of the end.