Edward-Elmhurst Health: Be aware of the coronavirus stigma

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues in the United States, concern over the virus has manifested itself in a variety of ways.

In some cases, anxiety or fear can result in stigmatizing people with the virus.

Stigma is a mark of disgrace or a form of discrimination against a person or group of people, place or characterization. With a heightened awareness of how COVID-19 spreads and where outbreaks originate, it can be easy to blame someone or someplace for the spread of the virus.

But, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes, “no single person or group of people are more likely than others to spread COVID-19.” Blaming or shaming groups or individuals can be harmful and could make people targets for misplaced anger or hostility.

Moreover, it could prompt some to hide their symptoms for fear of being ostracized or targeted.

“People don’t want to be isolated,” says Phillip Cozzi, MD, pulmonologist and medical director of the Sleep Center at Elmhurst Hospital. “They want to continue to work and interact with family and friends. They don’t want to lose their status in the community simply by contracting a virus.”

It is important to report any virus symptoms and for people to stay home if they are ill. If an individual becomes infected with the virus, they should be sure to let those with whom they have had recent contact (within the three days prior to a positive result) know that they may have been exposed, says Dr. Cozzi.

“Everyone in the community needs to be forthright with their infection,” says Dr. Cozzi.

And while that kind of forthrightness is key in fighting the virus, Dr. Cozzi added that fighting the stigma also is important.

“Welcome people back when they are no longer infected,” he adds.

The CDC recommends some ways to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 stigma:

• Educate yourself with facts about the virus. Visit the CDC site or your local health department for information about COVID-19.
• Reach out to those who may feel stigmatized by the virus. While people may not be able to physically visit someone who is quarantined by the virus, an encouraging text, phone call or card can help let them know they are not alone.
• Take time to thank and show support for essential workers such as grocery store clerks, healthcare workers, first responders and delivery drivers.
• Speak up about misinformation about the virus.

For more information, visit www.EEHealth.org/coronavirus.