Debunking TikTok’s ‘mystery virus’ trend spreading misinformation

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Medical Marketing and Media
It’s cold and flu season, so coming down with a respiratory illness isn’t exactly uncommon. 

However, TikTok is sparking rumors — and likely medical misinformation — about a so-called new “mystery virus” that hasn’t been identified.

The videos discussing the virus began circulating in February, when one video posted by @thatgirlkanesha went viral — sparking others to chime in and claim they were experiencing the same symptoms.

“You mean to tell me that everyone in the U.S. is getting sick by some virus but they don’t know where it’s called?” she said in the video. “When I say everybody I’m including myself too. I just had this so-called virus last week. I was feeling very lightheaded, I felt like I had to vomit, I felt like I was going to pass out. All of these symptoms are not adding up to me.” MORE