When the media announce a virus threat, it can cause panic among the population. Even though some people take the attitude that “this could never happen to me so I’ll ignore it,” there are some who go overboard trying to protect themselves, virtually hiding from the disease. SARS is a good example of how people can panic at the news of an unknown and uncontrolled illness. In China, people took to wearing surgical-style masks to add a layer of protection. When Toronto announced a few cases were diagnosed in local hospitals, people were warned against visiting the city. Whether or not the fear that took over was justified is unknown, but there are no reported cases of SARS today. Whatever caused the virus has been effectively stopped.

Influenza is a virus that nearly everyone can relate to; most people have had the flu at one point in their lives. The flu vaccine is available every year, but the majority of people do not get it. One reason for the reduced availability of vaccine one year was because of the high number of unused vaccines from the year before. But, the moment word got out that there was a shortage, people panicked.

Stay Rational

One way people can protect themselves from a viral threat is to stay calm and remain rational. Chances are that isolated cases of a virus are just that – isolated. The media tends to throw gasoline on the fire with their news reports, but the best protection is taking the time to stop and think about what the real chances are that a virus will reach you. That does not mean one should not take precautions, but thinking irrationally leads to irrational action.

The best protection is, of course, vaccination if it is possible. Influenza is one of the most common viruses, and it does kill people every year, yet most people do not bother to get inoculated each autumn.

Staying educated on a virus is another way to protect oneself. Unprotected sex is a way to pick up several viruses, like HIV, hepatitis, or herpes. Trying to pet a wild animal can end up in rabies. Information is out there on viruses. Learning about viruses – how they are transmitted, how prevalent they are, what the cures and the preventions are – is a good way to protect oneself from viruses.