Swine Flu and Other Possible Pandemics

Managing Health Phobias During an Outbreak

When swine flu made headlines in spring 2009, it was firmly added to a list of possible pandemics to sweep the globe. Bird flu, SARS, and even anthrax have all been indicted in recent years as possible killers, capable of destroying legions of healthy adults. While it is true that each of these diseases has claimed human lives, media sensationalism can greatly increase perceived risk, especially in those with health phobias. Here are some tips for managing your anxiety while remaining informed.

Know the Facts

The swine flu outbreak of 2009 was only its early stages when it began dominating the public's collective attention. New cases popped up in countries around the world, with many more suspected cases awaiting confirmation. When the news broke, public health officials admitted that the flu strain involved was new, and that it was not known how bad the situation may become.

This type of uncertainty creates a breeding ground for hype and fear. A misstatement on the part of a hospital employee is leaked to a local news station, and suddenly the entire community is convinced that an outbreak has occurred close to home. On television stations and Internet forums, around water coolers and on school playgrounds, rumors spread.

Rather than paying attention to gossip and rumors, stick to the facts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have both created reliable websites with information you can trust. Check these sites frequently for new confirmed cases, travel advisories, and helpful information on protecting yourself and your family from any major outbreak that may occur.

Turn Off the Television

Although both local and national news can be valuable sources of information about any possible pandemic, people with health phobias are often prone to obsessing. In this age of 24-hour news coverage, set a limit on how much you will watch and stick to it. Choose one or two newscasters that you like and trust, and avoid the temptation to channel-surf between outbreak coverage.

Take Sensible Precautions

Of course, your health phobia does not prevent you from developing a legitimate disease. Learn the latest guidelines at the CDC and WHO websites, and follow them faithfully. Most of the suggestions are common sense, and should be practiced at all times, whether or not there is an active pandemic. In the case of swine flu, these include but are not limited to: Avoid unnecessary travel to or from affected areas, minimize contact with people who are actively sick, see your doctor immediately for flu-like symptoms, stay home when you are ill, and wash your hands frequently.

At the same time, it is easy for those with health phobias to go too far. If you're concerned about swine flu, for example, resist the temptation to quarantine yourself or wear a mask unless recommended by local officials. Take care not to wash your hands to the point of cracking or bleeding. If you notice the development of OCD behaviors, let your mental health professional know.

Seek Professional Help

Possible pandemics can be extremely frightening, even for those without health fears. If you have a health phobia, the fear can become overwhelming. Battling a phobia alone can be difficult, but there is no need for you to suffer. Treatment is available to help you cope. Seeing a mental health professional as soon as possible can help you manage your fear and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family.