How Familiar Are You with the Swine Flu - Research Paper Example

The more prepared to the swine flu a family is, the more likely that they will not retain the flu and will remain healthy. The information that is being given to the public continues to be announced, specifically with relation to updates about the flu, how it is spreading and what an individual can do for prevention and treatment (Flu.Gov). The main concepts that are associated with the swine flu, even though it is based on prevention and treatment, has led to further questions about the attitudes toward this epidemic.

It has been found that the swine flu outbreak is one that is not only based on health and prevention. Instead, the media has created a further epidemic through the amount of knowledge that they have received as well as through the hype that has been created around the flu. The limited evidence, knowledge and the idea of the risk where millions will die has created a different culture and attitude surrounding the swine flu. The influence of the media is one that has altered the understanding and legitimacy of the flu and has created a different culture related to the vaccinations and seriousness surrounding this virus (Goldacre, 2009).

To find the true beliefs of culture and society about the swine flu, as well as the impact of the media, I have interviewed a variety of individuals. The questions asked relate to the legitimacy of the flu as well as the information and understanding of what is a part of this epidemic. The results show that, there is a cultural and societal understanding of the flu, not only based on the facts about the swine flu, but also from the influence of the media and the hype that is surrounding this specific flu.

From the workplace to homes, is an epidemic that is not only based on the flu, but also is related to the culture and expectations that are surrounding this. Questionnaire1. How familiar are you with the swine flu?2. What do you know about the swine flu?3. Where do you get your information about the swine flu?4. Have you further investigated the flu outside of these sources? If so, where?5. What actions have you taken in relation to your understanding of the swine flu?6. What media sources do you watch about the swine flu?7. How legitimate do you believe the information is from the media about the swine flu?8. How have you responded in your home or at the workplace in relation to the epidemic?9. What do you expect to happen in the next year from the swine flu, with both those that are receiving vaccines or those that have been diagnosed with the flu?10. What other opinions do you have about the swine flu and what is happening with the media in relation to this?11. Has the media influenced your actions over the swine flu?