On October 24, 2009, it was announced that the President of the United States declared H1N1 an emergency.  As usual, the 24 hour news outlets used this information to sensationalize the threat of H1N1.  Is the spread of the virus escalating? It appears so, and we should continue to monitor such things as vaccine availability and the latest information from "TRUSTED" sources such as the CDC, State and local public health officials and elected leaders. The Presidential declaration does not indicate a significant change in the disease spread. It only opens the doorway for further federal actions and the use of federal resources should the healthcare system become overwhelmed.  I am still amazed that there are not more PSA's being done to inform people how to reduce personal risk and stop the spread of the virus.  Vaccination alone will not stop the spread of the virus, particularly with the limited resources currently available.  Social distancing and hygiene will also have a tremendous impact on slowing the disease spread.

How do Americans make sense our of the current H1N1 pandemic when there is no consistency in reporting criteria. Back in April they stated they were no longer counting flu cases, and changed to only counting lab confirmed cases of H1N1, hospitalizations and deaths.  In August, it was changed to Influenza like illness (ILI) which include only lab confirmed cases and deaths. To add to the confusion, the count was reset September 1 with the latest reporting criteria. Is there any wonder that citizens are confused regarding the severity of this pandemic?

Since the Swine Flu (H1N1) virus migrated across the border from Mexico into the United State, media coverage on the disease has has has been at opposite ends of the extreme. With the 24 hour news networks sensationalizing thier reporing with buzz words such as killer disease, super bug and the like, we now see tremondous confusion.  If everyone received their information from reliable sources such as the CDC, Flu.gov, or their State or local health department, much of the confusion could be avoided.  However, we still have a number of pundants fill time on the 24 hour news cycle who are serving as a trusted source.  Is this hurting our preparedness activities for H1N1?  Are we creating greater confusion?  My biggest concern is less about this flu cycle but more about future, more virulent and potentially lethal outbreaks.  Are we creating apathy among the citizens we are trying to protect?