The language we speak amid COVID-19

IF 8.8 2区医学 Q1 IMMUNOLOGY

Brain, Behavior, and Immunity Pub Date : 2025-02-02 DOI:10.1016/j.bbi.2025.02.004

Zhaohui Su , Francis Mungai Kaburu , Abdulswabul Kudiza , Ruijie Zhang , Chaojun Tong , Mehak Intizar , Jianlin Jiang , Xin Yu , Qiang Kuang , Ruru Chen , Dean McDonnell , Junaid Ahmed , Barry L. Bentley , Ali Cheshmehzangi , Sabina Šegalo , Jing-Bao Nie , Claudimar Pereira da Veiga , Yu-Tao Xiang

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The language we speak shapes our perceptions of reality. In this paper, we shed light on the fact that by inventing and normalizing phrases such as the “UK variant”, “Chinese virus”, or the “Spanish flu”, along with the widespread use of war metaphors, we are not only endorsing narratives that could undermine international collaborations and deepen divisions within society, harming people’s mental health, but also distracting the public’s attention from the most important issue amid pandemics—how to stall or stem transmission in a timely matter. Furthermore, we also make a call to action for media professionals, health experts, and government officials to stop creating and popularizing discriminative terms related to COVID-19 and future outbreaks, so that we can reduce the divisions between societies and better focus on controlling pandemics.

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来源期刊

Brain, Behavior, and Immunity 医学-免疫学

CiteScore

29.60

自引率

2.00%

发文量

290

审稿时长

28 days

期刊介绍： Established in 1987, Brain, Behavior, and Immunity proudly serves as the official journal of the Psychoneuroimmunology Research Society (PNIRS). This pioneering journal is dedicated to publishing peer-reviewed basic, experimental, and clinical studies that explore the intricate interactions among behavioral, neural, endocrine, and immune systems in both humans and animals. As an international and interdisciplinary platform, Brain, Behavior, and Immunity focuses on original research spanning neuroscience, immunology, integrative physiology, behavioral biology, psychiatry, psychology, and clinical medicine. The journal is inclusive of research conducted at various levels, including molecular, cellular, social, and whole organism perspectives. With a commitment to efficiency, the journal facilitates online submission and review, ensuring timely publication of experimental results. Manuscripts typically undergo peer review and are returned to authors within 30 days of submission. It's worth noting that Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, published eight times a year, does not impose submission fees or page charges, fostering an open and accessible platform for scientific discourse.