Get Swine Flu Updates Via Twitter from the CDC

CDC Has Over 14,000 Followers on Twitter, Should You Be Following Too?

Carly Hart
Carly Hart, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Apr 27, 2009 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."
The recent outbreak of swine flu in 5 states across the nation, as well as confirmed cases of swine flu in several countries around the world, has sparked fears of a possible pandemic. At last count, the U.S. has seen 20 confirmed cases of swine flu in California, Ohio, New York, Kansas and Texas. Health care providers in many states are being asked to be extra vigilant in interviewing suspected flu patients regarding their recent travel, which may help contain outbreaks should they occur. Those who are avidly watching the swine flu story unfold may want to begin following the CDC to get swine flu updates on Twitter instead of waiting for swine flu updates to appear on the news. The CDC has over 14,000 followers getting swine flu updates on Twitter, and gaining.

How do you follow the CDC for Swine Flu updates on Twitter?

The CDC's "What's New On the Swine Flu" site has a button on the right hand side that will take those interested in following the CDC's swine flu updates on Twitter directly to the CDC's Twitter page, http://twitter.com/cdcemergency. There, Twitter users can click the follow button and begin receiving updates.

RSS and email options also available to keep Americans in the Swine Flu loop

For those who do not use Twitter, but still want to receive up-to-date information from the CDC about the swine flu, the CDC's site also offers users the ability to sign up for updates via RSS or email.

Using Social Media sites like Twitter to contain flu outbreaks?

Twitter is a unique way to disseminate public health information because that information has the potential to go more viral than the flu itself. Twitterers following the CDC's updates will then retweet the information, which will then be retweeted ad infinitum. Rather quickly, should a national emergency break out, information can be spread like wildfire.

In searching among the CDC's Twitter followers, I found numerous Red Cross organizations from across the nation, as well as physicians following the CDC specifically for swine flu updates. While the U.S. cases have been mild in comparison to the double digits flu deaths in Mexico, the American public should still take steps to get educated and stay on top of updates. Following the CDC on Twitter is a good start to staying in the information loop.

Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/whatsnew.htm
http://twitter.com/cdcemergency

Published by Carly Hart

One of AC's Top 1000 Content Producers, Carly Hart's interests include news, politics, parenting, frugal living and consumer related issues. A Featured Contributor in the Shopping and Fashion category, she...  View profile

  • In one hour, the CDC gained over 300 followers.
  • Doctors are following the CDC on Twitter to get their updates.
  • Why wait for the news? Get your info via Twitter.

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