I think the hysteria is mostly media driven. However, the concern is because the 36,000 deaths from the flu each year is based upon the seasonal flu, for which vaccines are widely distributed. Vaccines protect a good percentage of people from contracting and spreading the virus.
With this flu, there is no vaccine, so there is not a protected population. That will mean more deaths. Also, in Mexico, those who are dying from this flu are those between the ages of 25-47, which is atypical. The flu in the US does not appear as virulent...yet. However, the flu mutates very quickly and could become more virulent here, just as it did in Mexico.
It is too early to tell what will happen. This flu will evolve as there are more cases. It should definately be taken seriously, as should all flus. CDC is good. I work with them some, and I have always been impressed. They are experts in this area, and I would advise that everyone follow their instructions. They have information and expertise that the general population just doesn’t have.
Thanks for a very informative post.