NY Times - Now that President Obama has declared swine flu a national emergency and manufacturers are warning that vaccine production is running far behind schedule, is it time to panic? Almost certainly not. Swine flu is spreading rapidly, but the virus appears no more virulent than a seasonal flu virus. If current trends continue, it will kill or hospitalize fewer people than would be harmed in a normal flu season. 

While there is no reason to panic, there is also no reason for anyone to let down their guard. People should take normal precautions, including washing hands, covering their coughs and staying home when they’re sick.  Read more.