Accurate health information is the best strategy against misinformation and disinformation: respiratory specialists are on the front line.

INTRODUCTION: Disinformation refers to false information deliberately shared with the intent to cause harm. Disinformation is escalating because health is a global concern and tends to elicit strong emotional responses. Misinformation refers to false information shared without malicious intent. AREAS COVERED: Health-related misinformation and disinformation undermine prevention efforts, distort health behaviors, and erode trust in institutions and professionals. A French mission identified three vulnerabilities: low health literacy, difficulty in assessing the reliability of sources, and algorithm-driven exposure to information. Current responses remain fragmented, scientists are frequently targeted, and those spreading disinformation are rarely sanctioned. The strategy we propose rests on six pillars (education, training, improved information systems, detection, sanctions, and strengthened research) coupled with coordinated action at national and European levels. Respiratory health stands at the crossroads of several highly contested domains: tobacco and nicotine products, air pollution, chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and respiratory infections, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus infections. EXPERT OPINION: Respiratory societies have called for defending independent science, countering online disinformation, and strengthening international collaboration. Learned societies, regulators and EU institutions must align their efforts across research, policy, and the oversight of social media platforms.