The World Health Organization (WHO) has published a new resource to help journalists demystify the science behind avian influenza and other flu outbreaks. The "WHO Handbook for Journalists: Influenza Pandemic" is newly updated with information on the bird flu. Megge Miller, a scientist with the WHO office in Cambodia, told the Phnom Penh Post that the idea is to help journalists understand influenza terminology, so they are accurate and avoid causing panic. The guide should also help to standardize the language of journalists covering influenza outbreaks around the world. The handbook explains flu basics, such as: the difference between bird flu and the feared pandemic influenza; the history of past flu pandemics; information on drug and vaccine treatments; the phases of a pandemic; and how a community can prepare for one. The handbook is available here
For more information, contact Maria Cheng of WHO at chengm@who.int or telephone +41 22 791 3982. Return to home page |