The Sesame Street character Elmo appears in a series of public service announcements aimed at teaching kids how to avoid spreading the H1N1 virus.

Innocently enough, Elmo is reminding kids to cover their mouths when they sneeze so they don’t spread the swine flu. Good advice year round. However, no matter how many times kids (and adults) are reminded of general personal hygiene…the flu will inevitably spread. Why does this overly simplistic government reminder -make me think of the “duck and cover” ‘advice’ of the 1950s? As if hiding under a desk was going to save your a$$ from being melted in a nuclear blast?

Outbreaks Near Me is a free iPhone application that allows users track outbreaks of H1N1 and other contagious diseases. The application works by using GPS and features a map showing the locations of the reported illnesses. The Outbreak Near Me application also allows users to submit photos of sick people in particular locations. iPhone owners have the option to set up alerts for outbreaks.

This looks like it would be a good app to have in the coming months, especially in the areas hardest hit by the swine flu. I’d like to know whats happening rather than wait for the CDC to decide what to post.

Unfortunately, I have no iPhone… *sniff*