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The flu is back. Or it will be soon.
You may have noticed signs at your local Walgreens or CVC drug store advertising the shots. Your readers likely have too and that's why it's a good idea to consider an early story on what was one of the biggest talkerss of last year.
Al Tompkins from Poynter has a nice post that's full of resources and tips for reporters who are covering the story.
There are a few areas to key in on:
• There are three flu viruses that the shots are fighting against: H3N2, an influenza B virus and H1N1. What is H3N2 and what are the negative impacts of the other viruses?
• There's a higher does of the H1N1 antibody in this year's shot for seniors. Are there side effects seniors should be aware of and why an increase for that age group?
• What did medical professionals learn about H1N1 and what advice do they have for patients this time around? Are you a fool if you don't get it? Is it best to get in line as soon as it becomes available to avoid the miles-long lines at public health clinics that we saw last year? How will folks know when the shots are here?
• Are there other tips that health officials suggest that in addition to the shot can help you fight the flu?
The flu is back. Or it will be soon.
You may have noticed signs at your local Walgreens or CVC drug store advertising the shots. Your readers likely have too and that's why it's a good idea to consider an early story on what was one of the biggest talkerss of last year.
Al Tompkins from Poynter has a nice post that's full of resources and tips for reporters who are covering the story.
There are a few areas to key in on:
• There are three flu viruses that the shots are fighting against: H3N2, an influenza B virus and H1N1. What is H3N2 and what are the negative impacts of the other viruses?
• There's a higher does of the H1N1 antibody in this year's shot for seniors. Are there side effects seniors should be aware of and why an increase for that age group?
• What did medical professionals learn about H1N1 and what advice do they have for patients this time around? Are you a fool if you don't get it? Is it best to get in line as soon as it becomes available to avoid the miles-long lines at public health clinics that we saw last year? How will folks know when the shots are here?
• Are there other tips that health officials suggest that in addition to the shot can help you fight the flu?
