While swine flu has turned out to be a parodist's dream, some are finding that humour is also a great way to spread the message about how not to spread the virus.
The British government's Department of Health launched a series of eye-catching TV ads that show a man who sneezes as he steps into an elevator. His germ-laden mucus rains down over the elevator, transferring it to everyone who walks in after him.
The voice over the elevator says "Going down... Yes, you are all going down because the man in the blue spread his germs everywhere." The tag encourages viewers to "Catch It, Bin It, Kill It," by using a tissue, throwing it away and then washing their hands.
The ads have been highly popular since they were launched back in May -- but in an ironic twist -- perhaps not always effective. The actor in the public service announcements revealed earlier this month he's caught swine flu.
"I was supposed to 'Catch It, Bin It, Kill It' but instead I've been shivering, shaking and spreading it," actor David McCusker told local media outlets.
McCusker's doctors gave him Tamiflu for his illness and he has since recovered. (While many places, including Canada, have urged restraint in the use of antivirals such as Tamiflu, Britain has courted controversy by administering the medication to anyone with flu-like symptoms who asks for it.)
So while not everyone has gotten the message, infectious disease specialist Dr. Neil Rau says he thinks the British ads make a good point.
"I think there is a tongue and cheek seriousness that actually worked there. It wasn't flippant and yet it still made the point that you can bring down a group through bad personal hygiene and personal practice," he tells Â鶹´«Ã½.
Last month, the U.S. government's Department of Health and Human Services launched a contest encouraging Americans to submit their own 15-second or 30-second videos providing tips on how to protect yourself against the flu. The department is promising the creators of the winning public service ad US$2,500 in cash and an appearance on national television.
The virus that has spread around the world has also infected the Internet with dozens of parodies and silly skits mocking the breathless news coverage of the pandemic. Just search the Web for "SwineBusters," "Swinezilla" or "Swine Flu Song" and you'll get the idea.
While nothing seems immune from parody, there are dangers to making pandemics provocative, says Rau.
"There's a danger of misinformation and complete disregard for the seriousness of the problem," he says, "If the messages are getting tired and over worn, sometimes a new face to an old message can actually achieve something."
With a report from CTV medical specialist Avis Favaro
