The Swine Flu (H1N1) has rapidly evolved from a rare strain of flu to a random worldwide killer! Only a month ago, health officials were patiently reminding people to get their annual flu shot, then suddenly, the media was reporting about healthy young people dying from the virus. After the panic hit flu clinics and the unprepared public health units ran short of the vaccine, frustrated citizens blamed politicians and politicians started pointing fingers at each other. So, what happened? Do you feel that the news media made the situation better or worse? Do you feel that you received the proper information about H1N1 in the appropriate way? In a public health pandemic, do you think the media is a source of critical information for preventing the spread of the virus or a catastrophizing megaphone that creates a hyperactive panic crisis?
