What Herpes and Hurricanes Have in Common: Tackling Willful Ignorance in Health and Climate
Didn’t think I’d be making a post about herpes and hurricanes but here we are😵💫
First, my heart truly goes out to anyone impacted by these storms in Florida—whether you’re there or have family there. Florida is one of my favorite places to visit, and seeing the impact of these storms is devastating for so many reasons.
So what do herpes and hurricanes have in common? Disbelief.
Hear me out.
This year I’ve seen increased misinformation about hurricanes, with claims that the Democrats are controlling the weather to sway the election. I’ve seen numerous videos with factual evidence, trying to educate these people about the impact and realities of climate change on the environment.
Despite mounting evidence, research, and data, these people are still in denial about the reality and remain stuck in the cycle of misinformation and conspiracy theories. This is an example of willful ignorance.
In my work with herpes and STIs, I encounter similar patterns of denial and misinformation. Despite clear medical evidence and expert consensus, some people cling to myths and misconceptions about transmission, treatment, and living with these conditions.
This willful ignorance not only perpetuates stigma but also hinders education, prevention, and care efforts. Whether it’s climate change or sexual health, education and open dialogue are essential to breaking the cycle of misinformation.
Facts, empathy, and persistence are key—but having people in positions of power continue to perpetuate misinformation makes these efforts even more challenging.
The experiences of those affected—by both hurricanes and STIs—are real, and misinformation only serves to undermine and invalidate their realities.
**I’ll also add that the case of willful ignorance isn’t just applicable to weather and dating/relational health education— misinformation is rampant across numerous disciplines beyond these examples.**