How to Write About Swine Flu

At this writing, the Swine Flu is spreading out fast all across the world.

This is again one of those times when accurate and detailed information is absolutely necessary.

Technical writers are uniquely qualified to provide such a service to the information-hungry public.

So how would you write a Swine Flu information article, brochure, or book?

Here are some ideas, inspired by a recent search on the Internet. You might also use this outline to interview health professionals and emergency response personnel as an input for your article or book.

Content modules of a Swine Flu information product:

1] Introduction. What’s Swine Flu? How different it is from the regular flu? History of the illness. Major epidemics in history.

2] Key Facts: Does it spread by eating pork? Getting in touch with pigs? And/or human contact? If someone with the flu sneezes right next to us, can we catch the bug?

3] Prevention Information: How to prevent against the Swine Flu? Which face masks and respirators are the best? What should be proper rating of a face mask for maximum protection? What kind of personal hygiene measures one should adopt?

4] Drugs: Which antiviral drugs are effective against the Swine Flu? When to take them, and in what measure?

5] Care for the Sick: How to take care of the sick? What should one do and not do in order not to get infected after contact with a flue patient?

6] Available Information: What kind of printed and online information sources are available? A directory of Swine Flu information providers, including multimedia sources. RSS feeds available.

7] Directory of state and federal (in USA) agencies, with their contact information, that are tasked with fighting the Swine Flu.

8] Travel and other related emergency information and advisories.