Smallscreen News

Discovery 'Mythbusters' PSA shows you how to stay well this flu season, video

By April MacIntyre Oct 13, 2009, 4:47 GMT

Discovery Channel and the hosts of its popular series "Mythbusters" have teamed up with the United States Department of Health and Human Services to help inform the public about ways to protect themselves and prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu virus.

Discovery Channel and the hosts of its popular series "Mythbusters" have teamed up with the United States Department of Health and Human Services to help inform the public about ways to protect themselves and prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu virus.

The effort includes a public service announcement airing on the network, a dedicated web presence that provides resources and important information about H1N1 and educational and classroom resources for teachers and students provided by Discovery Education.

"Mythbusters" is one of the best science shows on TV, and uses scientific experimentation to uncover the truth behind popular myths and legends.

In their PSA, hosts Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage utilize a high-speed camera to show the invisible (disgusting) aftermath of a sneeze, and offer a simple message for H1N1 virus prevention: “One of the single most effective things you can do to stop the spread of flu, is to simply stay home if you feel sick.”

The PSA will air on Discovery Channel from October 12 through November 8, including primetime airings on October 14, 21 and 28 during the 9PM ET/PT Mythbusters hour.

“A big myth about the annual flu vaccination and even the H1N1 vaccinations, soon to be available, is that they alone can make people sick,” HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said. “The flu cannot be caught from a flu shot; however, if people choose not to get vaccinated, they run the risk of becoming sick or making those around them sick. Discovery Channel and Mythbusters’ efforts to separate fact from fiction related to flu and vaccines are to be commended.”

“Discovery Channel and Mythbusters are committed to helping inform the public about what they can do to prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu virus," said John Ford, President and General Manager of Discovery Channel.

“Adam and Jamie bring their blend of scientific 'know-how' and creativity to an urgent issue that affects us all. We are glad to do our part to make people more aware of what they can do to combat this virus.”

The PSA will also feature a dedicated website URL that will provide viewers with additional resources and easy-to-understand information about H1N1.

The website, www.discovery.com/h1n1, will feature 'Top Five Myths About H1N1' from HowStuffWorks.com, the award-winning source of credible, unbiased, and easy-to-understand explanations of how the world actually works, and links where users can find out more information about H1N1, including www.flu.gov.

Discovery Education is also supporting efforts to slow the spread of H1N1 and prepare America's classrooms to maintain the continuity of learning. Visitors to Discovery Channel’s H1N1 website can click on the link to www.discoveryeducation.com/readyzone-h1n1, where parents, educators and students will soon find up-to-date information about the H1N1 virus from trusted sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and the Department of Education, as well as a variety of activities supporting home and school prevention and preparedness efforts.

"Supporting and empowering educators and parents to improve student achievement has long been a core component of Discovery Education's mission," commented President of Discovery Education Bill Goodwyn.

"Despite the challenges H1N1 poses to our education system, we will continue to provide all stakeholders the tools and resources our students need to ensure they do not fall behind academically in the event of a disruption in learning."