Expert: Public Will React Well If Leaders Are Honest

Elected officials and health authorities need to deliver "consistent, clear, but honest messages about what is going on" when nations are faced with serious threats such as the swine flu outbreak, a University of Michigan expert on such crises just told All Things Considered co-host Michele Norris.

"People react much better and have much more predictable reactions when they know they're (being) told as much information as is available ... and that they're (being) given sound advice," added Sandro Galea, director of the Center for Global Health at the University of Michigan and a professor of epidemiology at the university's School of Public Health.

Galea also said studies show that after an initial period of confusion during crises, most people quickly adapt and "the confusion typically gives way to rational behavior."

As for Vice President Joe Biden and the comment he made today that he's told his family not to travel on commercial airplanes or to "go anywhere in confined places now," Galea said Biden was guilty of "perhaps underestimating the weight of his words as a public official." That's "problematic," said Galea, because Bidens words were "in direct contrast to what other public officials are saying."

Michele's conversation with Galea is scheduled to be part of today's ATC broadcast. Click here to find a local NPR station.