As H1N1 returns, university adapts protocols it used in the spring

Ohio State U. Medical Center fine-tuning its social media outreach to the campus and beyond

History tells us that past influenza epidemics have been battled with face masks and vaccinations. But as the nation begins Round Two of its match with H1N1, computers and smart phones may prove equally valuable, as communicators use electronic and social media to help spread the word about flu risks, prevention and treatment.

Like others across the country, we at The Ohio State University Medical Center are going viral with the news about the virus—the H1N1 strain of influenza that spread quickly last spring and is due for an encore.

Social media are providing a booster shot to our more traditional communication vehicles as we prepare for whatever the seasonal flu and the rebound of H1N1 bring us this fall. Viruses can mutate rapidly. Electronic and social media communications give us the ability to change and update our message to keep pace.

We have already created a site on our intranet that offers comprehensive flu information and regular updates. This is supported by our medical center’s weekly e-newsletter and the immediacy of blast e-mails, should the need occur.