February 22, 2006
Pandemic-flu education goes mobile
University of Illinois researchers have developed the first interactive tool to educate the public about pandemic flu via the mobile phone, reports PhysOrg. Mobile PanFlu Prep, available in English and Spanis, will be launched to the public March 1.
"It seems so logical, but this is the first time that cell phones have been used to communicate valuable public health information for disaster preparedness," said Colleen Monahan, from the UIC School of Public Health. "This is a first-aid kit for the future."
The downloadable program offers a variety of menu items and audio sections providing advice on avoiding the flu, including a preparation checklist that gives specific information on stockpiling supplies such as water, non-perishable food, first-aid kits and face masks.
Initial rollout of the program will be available at no cost on Sprint, Cingular and T-mobile networks and is also available online.
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