New influenza pandemic?
For flu experts, the issue is not whether the world will be a new influenza pandemic, but when. Its not easy to communicate to the public. Avian influenza and the possibility of a human influenza pandemic were the headlines in recent weeks, but the subject presents more uncertainties than certainties. In Avian Flu: Communicating the risk of an article in the current issue of Health Perspectives, the magazine of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), risk communication experts Peter Sandman and Jody Lanard questions: How do you inform the public about the serious risks, but it is dormant?How can loud noise of the alarm? What is the best way to involve the public to prepare for a pandemic?Bird flu has killed millions of birds and dozens of people in Asia. But there is
growing concern that H5N1 could be a pandemic that could be millions of deaths around the world sparks. But infectious diseases are unpredictable, a serious risk communication. Health authorities know that if the alarm too quiet, it will not be heard, it is not easy to overcome the apathy of the people, and add another problem to their already long list of concerns.At the same time can be a strong warning to cause excessive and premature fears, economic losses and even an attitude of every man for himself which may result in chaos. And if the pandemic does not materialize, the public is less likely that future warnings seriously.An average, according to the authors, is to build mutual trust, public participation early, arousing an appropriate level of fear, and contribute
to endure. Sandman and Lanard provide a list of key recommendations to help the authorities address the challenges of risk communication for avian influenza and similar topics. Among his suggestions: engage in speculation manager, acknowledges the uncertainty of what will happen, share dilemmas about what to do, and not try to eliminate the fear of everything.A particular problem for the communication of the risks furosemide visa
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