by KYW's Karin Phillips
A local psychologist says fear of the unknown and lack of information is causing some people to push the panic button about swine flu.
Temple University psychologist Frank Farley (right) says people are afraid of the swine flu because they simply don't know enough about it to not be afraid:
"One of the biggest sources of human fear is uncertainty. We're social animals and we spend an enormous amount of time in the company of others, in one way or another. Many of our institutions involve bringing people together in close proximity. If it's possible that you could get sick from that kind of engagement, it just raises the uncertainty of our life."
Farley suggests that people simply pay attention to news reports and all information coming into their communities, and to think through their panic.
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