Slow-motion sneeze is gross, and probably effective

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Only a fraction of Americans follow government recommendations to get a flu shot. The battle to persuade people to protect themselves will be even tougher this year because full protection will require getting one shot for seasonal strains of influenza and another shot (possibly two) to protect against the novel H1N1, or swine, flu.

The government of South Australia played the yuck card with its citizens regarding vaccination. It created a public service announcement showing various nice-looking people sneezing in slow motion. After watching it, not only do you wish these people had covered their noses and mouths, you want to run for the shower and bathe. This is also why everyone should learn the Dracula sneeze, demonstrated recently by local public health officials. The video, set to classical music, ends with the message: ‘Slow down the spread of influenza. Get a flu shot.’

Are you convinced?

-- Shari Roan