LAF Loves Bacon (And Why You Should Too)

Note to Readers: LAF is not a licensed medical professional, nor should she be. She is perfectly happy being a rockstar PR professional. If you feel sick, please see a doctor. That is all.

Swine Flu. It’s hit every media outlet and social media network across the nation. In Texas, where I live, after school sports are being cancelled. There was a confirmed death. People are panicking left and right.

STOP. IT. NOW. Bacon is your friend. As are most meats.

Thousands are dying daily from cancer. Why aren’t we holding press conferences and discussing it at length? It’s still a big deal. For those that are very close to me, you know why this issue hits close to home.

Remember mad cow disease? Most of you still eat the moo moo cow. Chill. Swine Flu, based off of what I read, is another strain of the flu that our vaccine does not cover. If you start feeling sick, see a doctor so that they can treat you. Here in the U.S., we have much more advanced healthcare than places such as Mexico. Our resources are extensive and this can be prevented. Guess what? Many die from the regular flu year after year. There is no mass panic. 

So, why do you think it has gotten so crazy?

Media and citizen journalism. It’s a huge game of Telephone. Remember how the story would get wilder and crazier as it went on? Emotions would run higher? The end result was so elaborate, but you trusted the friend that told you. 

The media can sometimes play off of fear. Citizens see that fear and start posting updates, or tweeting, or e-mailing loved ones to make sure they are taking preventive measures. Concerned parents take their kids out of school. It’s a domino effect. Once you light the fuse, it’s hard to put it out. Panic is the domino effect. Do you not know what citizen journalism is? Check out a great post by Chris Ortiz on Stuff Journalists Like about what it is and how it can benefit society and newspapers as a whole here.

I’m a big fan of citizen journalism, don’t get me wrong. But just like regular media, make sure you have the facts straight before you freak out. Citizen journalism is great for the newspaper that is understaffed and might not catch the story right as it breaks. Whip out a camera phone and jot down what you see, and you can help the media out in a big way. But if you post said picture with a hysterical caption, Chicken Little: OH MY GOSH THE WORLD IS GOING TO END!!! Then guess what – 20 people will believe you, who will then tell 20 of their friends, and before you know it, 1,000 people are freaking out.

Swine flu deaths are tragic, just like any death is. Knowledge and Education are key. Staying calm is key. Take preventive measures and realize what a great country we live in – and be thankful that our HC system is as advanced as it is.

I applaud Texas schools in the N. Texas area who cancelled after school activities until May 11. This is a good move to calm parents and maybe subside some of the panic. It will also give them time to educate parents on basic vaccines and general information.