This document analyzes the psychological effects of media sensationalism of public health issues. It hypothesizes that media sensationalism is more harmful than beneficial. Methods include literature review of SARS, H1N1, and influenza outbreaks. Results show media coverage led to unfounded fear and panic, increased health industry profits, and reduced doctor visits and vaccinations, increasing disease risk. The discussion notes limitations but suggests educating the public on sensationalism and its impacts.

1. Psychological Affects of Media Sensationalism of Public Health Issues By: Danny Gallegos

3. Statement of Purpose

4. Hypothesis

5. Methods

6. Results

9. Statement of purpose To bring awareness to the public and health industry that media sensationalism of public health issues is harmful to the general public

10. Hypothesis The psychological affects of media sensationalism of public health issues is more harmful than beneficial for the general public

13. H1N1 - Swine Flu

14. Influenza

15. Media Exposure

16. Vaccination response

20. 2009 California Population 38,000,000 est. Reported ICU and Fatal Cases of 2009 H1N1 Influenza Infections in California (as of July 31, 2010) .000015 percent of California population died from H1N1

22. U.S. – 30 – 40 million deaths annually

23. Worldwide – 1 billion cases annually

24. World Wide – 300,000 – 500,000 deathsFlufacts.com

27. Profiting from pandemics Birmingham, Alabama–based BioCryst, inhibitor peramivir, for influenza. 90% stock boost to $3.29 on April 27, after 1N1 influenza (swine flu) grabbed headlines. Novavax stock dropped from $2 per share to around 85 cents in mid-April. But when swine flu became the topic of conversation, Novavax’s shares jumped more than 200% to $2.55 over two sessions. Similarly, in 2005, when the flu was avian rather than swine, Novavax’s shares traded at less than a dollar for most of that summer. However, in the fall, when the company’s avian flu vaccine performed well in animal models, Novavax’s stock jumped to close as high as $5.53. Nature Biotechnology

28. Anti Bacterial Products •Bath & Body Works. Sales of hand sanitizers are up more than 50% at the chain, which sells more scented hand sanitizer than anyone else in the category, says Camille McDonald, president of brand development. •Justice. At many of its stores, the tween-targeting fashion retailer is selling mini hand sanitizers as impulse items next to the register. USA Today

30. Health industry market profits

31. Increase risk due to numbness, less Doctors visits, less vaccinations

34. 60 % of health professionals decline flu vaccinations The New York Times

36. No complete direct study of effects of media sensationalism of public health issues on general public

37. Begin general survey

38. Gather company specific financial information for related health products

39. Public needs to be educated and cautious of media sensationalism

40. Hand sanitizers, 99.9% bacteria killed, helps resistant bacteria