Infectious Disease Networks

Social networking and infectious diseases are nothing new. Social networking is dynamic and as old as recorded time. The world of technology has made it seem new, however, as it expands from its person-to-person origins and immediate purposeful beginnings to a way to connect with others across the globe. Individuals with infectious diseases around emotionally, if not physically, from the supportive nature of social networking. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines infectious diseases as those that can spread directly, or indirectly, between individuals. The most politicized infectious disease in modern history is acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), a global concern affecting and infecting tens of millions of individuals.

Historically, social networking was demonstrated by community outreach to individuals in need. In times of crisis, neighbors would look after neighbors, providing food and resources. Most illnesses did not result in individual rejection and family ostracism. Communities were formed around a religious philosophy of caring for others, commonly comprised of generations of shared histories and family connections. Care and concern, and hands-on help in times of crisis, prevailed.

Social networking does not inherently mean communications of any specific type, good or bad, in person or technological. In the case of infectious diseases, social responses and judgments vary depending on the type of infectious disease, which can range from a simple case of influenza to something more serious. It is commonplace for society to anticipate brief recovery periods in order to regain health and to remove the risk of infection of others. However, sometimes something new, unknown, and incurable arises. Infectious diseases—organic, biological, and inherently neutral—become value laden by social networking based on the stigma attached to the initially identified and affected populations.