KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Just like the virus itself, talk of swine flu continues to spread, especially on the Internet. But what are good sources of information, in the day of Internet blogging and chatting? From blogs, to tweets, to status updates; There's a lot of talk about swine flu online. But the important thing for you to know is that there are several sources that you can rely on, for up to date information, leaving out the rumor mill. In a few key strokes and Internet browser windows, thousands of pages of information on swine flu can be at your finger tips.
But many can contain false information. Annette Skoczylas, UT Medical Center's Infection Control Specialist, says, "I feel like its good to be aware. I feel like it's good to be precautious, and just to stay on top of what is going on." The Internet can be that source, but Annette uses it to keep up with the recent outbreak of swine flu. Annette says, "Don't go on blogs, and take people's personal comments as the facts."**
Dr. Peter Gross, Director of UT's Journalism and Electronic Media Department, says, "Twitter and the other social networks are really not news organizations." But not everything on Twitter is wrong, for instance, the CDC has their own Twitter account, where they actually update it daily, along with their website. The Centers for Disease Control keep everyone, from health professionals, to media, to you, updated to the second, on the swine flu outbreak.
Annette says, "CDC has valid information, up to date information, they have a whole website dedicated to the swine flu right now." Dr. Peter Gross teaches future members of the media to choose their sources carefully, and you can do the same when you're online. Dr. Gross says, "Credible sources are always important, it doesn't matter what the subject of the news report might be." Mark Jones is the Director of the Knox Co. Health Department, and he says, "I think that's really the big issue today, is what's factual and what's not" Over the last few days, the Knox County Health Department has received a lot of questions from people about swine flu, and Mark says it's important for you to stay informed, and healthy.
Mark says, "Go back to the basics, and very frequent hand washing, making sure if you're sick you stay home." A good local source for swine flu information is the Knox County Health Department's hot-line. You can call 865/215-5555, during regular business hours with any questions and concerns over swine flu. And if swine flu continues to spread, they're prepared to expand their hot-line.
But many can contain false information. Annette Skoczylas, UT Medical Center's Infection Control Specialist, says, "I feel like its good to be aware. I feel like it's good to be precautious, and just to stay on top of what is going on." The Internet can be that source, but Annette uses it to keep up with the recent outbreak of swine flu. Annette says, "Don't go on blogs, and take people's personal comments as the facts."**
Dr. Peter Gross, Director of UT's Journalism and Electronic Media Department, says, "Twitter and the other social networks are really not news organizations." But not everything on Twitter is wrong, for instance, the CDC has their own Twitter account, where they actually update it daily, along with their website. The Centers for Disease Control keep everyone, from health professionals, to media, to you, updated to the second, on the swine flu outbreak.
Annette says, "CDC has valid information, up to date information, they have a whole website dedicated to the swine flu right now." Dr. Peter Gross teaches future members of the media to choose their sources carefully, and you can do the same when you're online. Dr. Gross says, "Credible sources are always important, it doesn't matter what the subject of the news report might be." Mark Jones is the Director of the Knox Co. Health Department, and he says, "I think that's really the big issue today, is what's factual and what's not" Over the last few days, the Knox County Health Department has received a lot of questions from people about swine flu, and Mark says it's important for you to stay informed, and healthy.
Mark says, "Go back to the basics, and very frequent hand washing, making sure if you're sick you stay home." A good local source for swine flu information is the Knox County Health Department's hot-line. You can call 865/215-5555, during regular business hours with any questions and concerns over swine flu. And if swine flu continues to spread, they're prepared to expand their hot-line.
** - since you are reading this on 'OZ' - you are NOT following instructions! ;-)
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