Related Sections: Internet Lists
Swine Flu Survival Kit: 5 essential websites
Swine flu seems to be popping up all over the globe, and so is information (and misinformation) about it. Cooler heads prevail here at DVICE, where we've decided to use the power of technology and the Web to help us survive the deadly outbreak.
Here's where to find reliable information, and where not to go for updates:
First, check out the various maps that will be tracking the flu virus, some of which will be much more useful as more information becomes available:
This Swine Flu adaptation of Google Maps uses the familiar markers, each showing a case of the disease. The fatal cases lack a black dot inside the marker. This is the most useful map for the thus-far sporadic outbreak.
Google's had this flu trends site up for a couple of years now, and if this outbreak becomes more widespread, Google's state-by-state trends map will be more meaningful.
Health Map is another Google Maps mashup that takes the case markers concept a step further, quoting news stories from a variety of sources, and pointing to their origins.
WHO? The World Health Organization, that's who. Ignore all the cable-television babble and hear the information from the source, the World Health Organization's MP3 files of the latest press briefings.
Traveling somewhere? The Centers for Disease Control will show you travel notices, and of course, Mexico is on the warning list right now. From an international perspective, the United States is on the warning list, too.
Where not to go: Twitter is the perfect transmission medium for mob behavior, fearmongering and misinformation. Trust it for updates on what people had for breakfast and whatever funny thing the cat just did, but not for vital info about a serious flu pandemic.
By Old Man Dotes at 6:47 PM ON 04/27/09
By Al at 7:51 PM ON 04/27/09
Twitter is "perfect...for mob behavior, fearmongering and misinformation"?
Man, does that ever sound like a seriously biased statement. I understood that Twitter was just a few words by individuals on their happenings.
That comment alone makes it sound like Homeland Security should shut it down for all the fanatical masses that converge to destroy society at large.
There's plenty of ways to promote a site and advise against relying on another. Obviously, this is a smear attempt tossed into useful info.
Shameful.
By Scanner at 8:15 PM ON 04/27/09
MY recent post on Twitter :
"Wow... it's great to know SciFi's DVICE has such a high opinion of Twitter. Check it out at : http://tinyurl.com/d7rhkn"
I must continue to give out all that 'misinformation' after all....
By Scanner at 8:21 PM ON 04/27/09
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that Twitter was where I SAW this particular link. Way ta go, guys.
By PTRICKY at 8:22 PM ON 04/27/09
Good Lord I hate 'twitter'.
Though the question is, who is more stupid? The writer or the idiot who reads it?
By KryptoniteDove at 7:57 AM ON 04/28/09
I'm on twitter and I'm a fan, but if you read this article correctly they are advising you go to W.H.O and get information directly from the SOURCE.
If W.H.O is at one end of the scale, then twitter is definitely at the other, despite your feelings towards twitter or dvice.
They are not really competing over the same market anyway, and if you don't like what you read here, there's nothing stopping you from leaving..
By Gumbercules at 10:46 AM ON 04/28/09
Yes, Dvice has it in for Twitter! They're plotting to destroy them with their story about a topic that is only tangentially related! Conspiracies abound! Who will Dvice go after next? Watch out, LOLCats!
By Al at 11:15 AM ON 04/28/09
I'm fairly curious as to why this is becoming such a story in the first place. As I understand it (living in SoCal) all the people at risk for this strain are still in Mexico, where you are more likely to die in a drive by than contract it.
Here in the states a quick stroll into any medical facility will take care of it.
Well, since Dvice has it in for Twitter, I guess all is lost. Technology news and innovation is now looking to discredit a social networking site that has more immediate updates on personal happenings than any site dependent on press release approval.
Beware all! Facebook is next then...you!
By Dave T at 11:50 AM ON 04/28/09
So when is Osama going to get his twitter account? He can then lead the Jihad 140 characters at a time.
By Al at 12:11 PM ON 04/28/09
I don't know about Osama, but Obama has his own twitter that he updates.
Hmmm. Could this be what they meant by mob behavior, fearmongering and misinformation?
Aha! This was actually a political swipe!
Conspiracy! Conspiracy!
By Tyler Cook at 12:31 AM ON 04/29/09
How does WHO not have their MP3s in podcast format? This is horrendous. Someone tell me I am somehow mistaken. :-\
By Xenobiologista at 1:01 AM ON 04/29/09
I think Google's FluTrends and other systems that try to predict disease outbreaks by layperson inquiries become LESS useful as epidemics progress, because everybody is Googling "swine flu" now. I agree that they can be helpful in pinpointing early outbreaks that haven't been reported to centralized bodies like WHO yet, but once something becomes publicized - mass hysteria.
By Crimson King at 12:21 PM ON 04/29/09
CAPTAIN TRIPS!!!!!!
SCREW THIS! IM GOING TO VEGAS!
By Me Swine at 9:10 AM ON 04/30/09
Please swine flu, hit the media so it would shut up and stop spreading panic and propaganda.
By masso210 at 1:09 PM ON 05/01/09
If everyone used a little common sense,then the panic will subside. Don't wait until you have a temp of 103 for 3 days to seek medical advice. By the way Twitter is a great site,but it is just perpetuating the panic.
By www.couldyougo.com at 5:41 PM ON 07/27/09
sound advice. read up on the topic, be aware and understand the dangers. consider putting together a small survival kit or purchase one at couldyougo.com
By www.couldyougo.com at 5:43 PM ON 07/27/09
Try our
swine flu survival kit.
By sfk at 10:24 AM ON 08/01/09
By Teesta at 10:30 AM ON 08/20/09
We are working on a site that is specifically geared towards keeping children and schools safe. It provides information and resources for dealing with the swine flu. There is no cause for panic. We just need to be aware, wash hands, be careful and have supplies at hand.
on your cellphone!
Text DVICE to 72434
editor@dvice.com
Teesta:
We are working on a site that is specifically geared towards keeping children and schools safe. It provides inform...More »