Conspiracy theories (evidence-free, improbable narratives about powerfulagents conspiring to harm people) circulated widely during the acquiredimmune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and COVID-19 epidemics. Theytravelled over time and space, adapted to local conditions andanxieties, and were promoted for commercial and political purposes.Russian conspiracy theories claiming the viruses were United Statesbioweapons appeared in both epidemics. So did ‘cultropreneurs’ who,as a marketing strategy for their ‘alternative’ therapies, promotedconspiracy theories about scientific medicine. Pro-science activistssought to counter medical misinformation and debunk faux cures, buttheir task was harder in the ‘post-truth’ social-media driven context ofCOVID-19. Conspiracy theories about vaccines are an ongoing challengefor public health.
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