Studies in crisis: How communicators took on swine flu

In the health-care and academic sectors, information reigned as a nation reeled

Communicators at every level — from federal to local to corporate — have begun the week battling two fast-spreading elements: swine flu and conjecture about it.

Getting the word out efficiently and accurately is crucial to ensuring that other precautions and remedies can make a difference in stemming the proliferation of the flu itself.

Relying on crisis communication protocols, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, health care communicators, and school officials are talking about swine flu in a tempered, matter-of-fact way. Using various avenues, including social media, they’re letting people know the latest facts about the situation — and working to dispel rumors and falsities at every turn.