Swine Flu and Sensationalism

A H1N1 or swine flu is a disease that was said to have come from flu viruses of pigs. It evolved into such form that can be transmitted to humans, making it a threat to humanity. In the beginning, the whole world was alarmed by this illness. Like the foot and mouth disease, which caused a worldwide tremor, A H1N1 also shook TV watchers, newspaper fans, and radio patrons for several reasons. First, because it began in the center of the world's power, United States of America. Second, it killed numerous people in Mexico. And third, because there had not been any known cure for the disease. Due to these, the media had all the excuse to sensationalize the story. In the Philippines, signs that the constant nagging of the media about the disease is taking its toll on the people.

Paranoia and the Masks
Children going to school, old people riding trains, security guards in malls and other crowded place, what do they all have in common? Masks. All of them wear masks, even the nannies who accompany the children to school wear masks. Of course, there is nothing wrong in being cautious. However, people should note that this is not helping at all. In fact, rather than decrease the anxiety of the people, it only results to more paranoia, and the more a person becomes paranoid, the more is the tendency to panic and do things that are not very wise. This will only bring more danger to society. Furthermore, citizens should listen to what the secretary said, the ones who are healthy are not the ones who should wear masks. It is the obligation of those who are infected to cover their mouths in order to prevent transference of the virus to other people. As such, rather than wearing masks, which may cause great panic, people should just stock up on vitamins, supplements, and nutritious foods. For those who are weak in the lung and heart area, of course, part of the precaution includes wearing masks, but for the healthy ones, please help your countrymen get a good night sleep.

The Media and the Message
Other than the people who wear masks as they roam around the metro, the media should also contribute in the effort of decreasing panic in the country. it is of common knowledge that the media is a strong force that is capable of driving people nuts. As such, rather than spread fear it should serve as a source of facts and not yellow journalism. It should not contribute on the increasing rate of fear. It should tell the people three main things.
First, Mexico, which was the first country to be hit by the illness was not prepared during the attack. This resulted to numerous victims of the illness. However, it does not mean that the virus is extremely fatal. It just so happened that the Mexicans became the front-liners of the war. To have numerous fatality is thus inevitable.
Second, America is not in a panic as much as the Filipinos are. This should be noted as America is the first to be stricken by the disease and yet the level of fear is not as much. Citizens should be reminded that as the world's greatest country, this may also mean that there is a cure being created for the illness.
Third, although the cure for the disease remains unknown, it must be kept in mind that prevention is better than cure. Thus, as advised earlier, people are better of stocking on vitamins that will keep them healthy as the disease is only fatal if the patient has some heart and lung complication. The disease worsens a pre-existing disease. Ergo, if a healthy person is struck by the illness, There is nothing to worry, recovery may be expected.

These three are the information that media should be spreading. Rather than an updated tally of cases or deaths, it is better to hear positive facts than heartbreaking ones. to others this may sound as disguising the ugly truth, but in reality there is nothing that may be solved if everyone will be driven to fear. It should be remembered that sensationalism, although sometimes helps, is not completely advisable. In sensitive predicaments such as the one at hand, it is still best to stick to facts...