Information and communication are vital for the successful management of outbreaks of infectious diseases. But what are effective communication strategies? Are people really prone to panic in response to health threats?

The research presented in this book found a surprising relation between information needs and response: the better people feel informed the less they worry - irrespective of actual exposure.

This book merges two studies: one is a literature review about the healthcare seeking behaviour of low risk patients. The second is an empirical investigation during the first days of the Influenza Pandemic 2009 ("Swine Flu") at an international airport.

The research findings help to improve preparedness planning and are relevant for future risk communication and health policy decision-making.