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.