So, it seems that the buzz about the potential pandemic Swine Flu, or swine influenza A (H1N1), has become widespread across the internet. Concerns scale from almost none to excessively high to totally warped.

In fact, there are speculations from a handful of bloggers (1, 2) that perhaps Twitter could be a cause of wider spread panic and misinformation. Then, there are those that think this may very well be a great tool to keep in contact in such an emergency that you couldn’t even leave your homes.

My curiosity is peaking about whether or not people will succumb to the rumor mills and just freak out across the web as a majority. Or if they’ll just take the high road of precaution with the information given, relay it, and then continue with their daily living. It’s quite the unfolding drama to sit back and watch.
Perfect Example of to Expect of you filter out Swine Flu Tweets on Twitter. Featuring Hannelore from Jeph Jacques’ Questionable Content.

Will you use utilities like Twitter for the Light Side or the Dark Side of The Force? And are you biting your nails down to nubs with anticipation for the next bit of news?
swineflu2

Responses to the subject of Swine Flu from several people I know are as follows and are merely the commentary in general conversation and shouldn’t always be taken “o so srsly” but are great to bare in that not everyone is as in a panic as you might believe.

(14:55:00) Supreme Lord and Chancellor Miss Miah: What do you think about all this, dude?
(14:55:11) Charlie: no idea
(14:55:17) Charlie: I just think
(14:55:30) Charlie: what’s next, platypus flu?
(14:57:01) Supreme Lord and Chancellor Miss Miah: haha, so no panic on your end?
(14:57:28) Charlie: no

(15:16:28) Stoudman: ZOMG THE SWINE FLU!
(15:16:32) Stoudman: IZ COMING TO GET JOO
(15:16:33) Supreme Lord and Chancellor Miss Miah: lmao
(15:16:41) Stoudman: damn mexican swine
(15:16:52) Stoudman: >.>
–
(15:18:11) Stoudman: my response is this
(15:18:16) Stoudman: if you see a mexican
(15:18:27) Stoudman: even if they’re just sitting on the bus
(15:18:33) Stoudman: or cleaning up trash
(15:18:40) Stoudman: or putting down carpeting
(15:18:43) Stoudman: or painting
(15:18:50) Stoudman: or sitting in front of a home depot
(15:18:55) Stoudman: RUN
(15:18:58) Stoudman: FOR YOUR LIFE!

(15:01:29) Eric: hoping it doesn’t get here or worse
(15:03:40) Eric: well when I first found out about it I was thinking of the movie Outbreak
(15:04:02) Eric: that was my first thought something out of a movie that this is really happening
(15:10:36) Supreme Lord and Chancellor Miss Miah: Really? What about now?
(15:11:49) Eric: really haven’t been watching it lately or keeping on it. I know washington is and EU are working to stop it with the cdc
(15:12:04) Eric: last info I heard is that it hit in NY
(15:13:13) Supreme Lord and Chancellor Miss Miah: Hopefully that doesn’t affect anyone we know there.
(15:14:26) Eric: just signed on to twitter and have breaking news
(15:14:46) Eric: 11 cases confirmed for California
(15:15:05) Eric: confirmed cases of swine flu
(15:15:20) Eric: according to the state dept of health

(14:48:27) tsh2k2: it’s such a big panic right now, hahaha
(14:53:15) tsh2k2: I think it’s another avian flu.
(14:53:31) tsh2k2: What’s the point of tripping out over it? I know it has it’s dangers, but cook your meat properly and you’ll be fine.

My best advice in this case is to follow with the CDC’s Fact Sheet for Good Health Habits to prevent any strain of flu from infecting you and your loved ones. Stay prepared, and never panic unnecessarily if you can help it, the best bet in a crisis is a clear mind. And as in any scenario, arm yourselves with knowledge first before weaponry. Stupid people in a panic are always the first to go! Pay attention to your horror flicks, you’ll see what I mean.

But the main question I have here is, what are YOUR reactions and concerns about the matter? Inquiring minds want to know.

My personal last thought is this in jest. Prepare yourselves for the burning of the bodies! The Zombie Apocalypse is on us like a fat kid eats cake!

Miss Miah (CrimsonOoze@gmail.com) | Written: April 27th, 2009