Flu prevention messages go ‘American Idol’

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If you watch any TV at all, you’re going to see the government’s public-service announcements urging flu-prevention practices about a million times before the coming flu season is over.

So why not help decide which one it is?

How’s this for viral marketing: To spread the word on how not to spread the H1N1 flu virus, the fun-loving folks at the Department of Health and Human Services invited anyone with a video camera, some flu facts and a stopwatch to produce a public-service spot. Having received about 240 video candidates, those fun feds got together and picked the 10 that best communicated the essential facts in under 60 seconds of fighting flu.

Now, they’re going all ‘American Idol’ on us, asking the U.S. public--you the readers (or viewers, or whatever)--to decide which one of the 10 finalists will win $2,500 and the chance to air on national television.

While several are straight-ahead public service announcements, a few of them are actually pretty amusing, including one that features a chainsaw as a means of enforcing social distance. Some are gross but amusing, including one that features a toothbrush and Bach’s 4th Brandenburg Concerto. One likely crowd-pleaser features a rapping M.D. named Dr. John Clarke who is a lot tamer than 50 Cent. Another one pitched to the demographic considered most at risk for catching H1N1 flu--teens and young adults--features a group of voguing germ-spreaders and a hygienic photographer. It’s weird and gross.

But don’t take my word for it. See for yourself, and vote.

-- Melissa Healy