# Masked Avatars Swine Flu Face Masks Take Over Facebook Profile Pictures By Juan Carlos Bonilla | Published 2009-04-28 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swine-flu-fashion-at-facebook References: [facebook](http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=592945456&highlight) Swine flu is attacking Mexico City, and because of it a lot of people are wearing face masks to protect the spread of illness. While some are panicking, several great Mexican attitudes are shining—one group created a [Facebook](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-avatars) campaign that offers information on following health recommendations to ensure protection against this virus. Since so many people are wearing surgical masks in real life, a new Facebook fad has people changing their [Facebook profile pictures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/face-swap-ai) to be wearing Swine Flu prevention masks! ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 53% | Activity: 14% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Internet](https://www.trendhunter.com/internet) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Virtual Face Masks:** With the rise of virtual living, companies can create virtual face masks for people to use on social media or virtual reality platforms. - **Health Awareness Campaigns:** As health hazards continue to exist, businesses can invest in campaigns that offer information to the public to increase health awareness and promote healthy behavior. - **Online Fads and Trends:** Businesses can capitalize on online fads and trends by leveraging popular memes, campaigns, or hashtags that are being heavily shared to their advantage. ### Where This Applies - **Virtual Reality:** Virtual reality companies can create virtual face masks for users who want to take their virtual appearance to the next level. - **Healthcare:** Healthcare companies can invest in helping to create social media campaigns for increasing health awareness during epidemics and crises. - **Social Media and Marketing:** Marketing agencies can help their clients leverage online fads and trends to increase their brand awareness and reach on social media. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Digital Avatar LED Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/qudi-mask-2.md) - [Customizable Style Face Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rpur-fiit.md) - [Aerodynamic Filtration Face Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goa-face-protector.md) - [Avatar-Supporting Social Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whatsapp-2.md) - [Emotive Inflatable Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lian-mask.md) - [Air-Blowing Face Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-mask.md) - [Copper-Infused Face Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aebl-epion.md) - [Fluidless Scent-Releasing Facemasks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-face-mask-1.md) - [In-App Face Swaps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swapmyface.md)