Social media eyed as tool to curb disease spread

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) - A research team at Kansas State University is looking at the usefulness of social media in curbing the spread of infectious diseases.

The researchers are studying whether a well-timed post from a public authority or trusted person could help as much as flu shots, hand-washing or sneezing into an elbow.

Researchers are gathering information about human behavior and identifying the various groups such as teachers or public officials that need to be reached through social media. They're also exploring the best way of distributing information using social media.

Some findings are expected to be presented next month at a scientific conference. The results suggest that not only vaccinating critical individuals but also facilitating the spread of health information helps suppress infectious diseases