The impact of early scientific literature in response to COVID-19: a scientometric perspective

Davide Golinelli; Andrea Giovanni Nuzzolese; Erik Boetto; Flavia Rallo; Manfredi Greco; Fabrizio Toscano; Maria Pia Fantini

Worldwide, COVID-19 is showing critical issues in the response of health systems, which are put to the test by this emergency. Together with the fast spread of a new pathogen, we are witnessing a relatively new phenomenon, defined as "infodemic" by the WHO (WHO, 2020). An "infodemic" represents the uncontrolled spread of false or "exaggerated" information (i.e. misinformation) relating to the pathogen or epidemic, which might determine an unpredictable response by the population. This response can translate into an increase in the concern of the population towards the epidemics, and even outright panic. This can also lead to public unrest or other consequences that can be difficult to control. Misinformation, like a virus itself, can be easily transmitted from person to person. The WHO has therefore highlighted that the spread of unconfirmed or incorrect information can be very dangerous for public health 1 .