Here's the thing... I really wish some time would be spent explaining to the public how a virus works vs. bacteria. I also think it would be of tremendous help if the experts would address the major differences between the science during the 1918 Spanish Influenza period and today.

My grandmother was 27 during the outbreak in 1918 and, when talking about it during the 1976 outbreak of Swine Flu, she made, what I believe, were some very salient points. First, we live in a much healthier environment than existed 90 years ago; back then, the air pollution alone in our hometown of Pittsburgh was toxic. Today's hygiene protocols are light-years beyond what they were a century ago and, most importantly, our science today would stun even the greatest medical minds of 1918, or 1976.

Is Swine Flu dangerous? Sure; any virus can be dangerous and potentially lethal. Oft quoted statistics in recent days state that approximately 36,000 die each year from the "regular" Flu in the U.S. But, I think we all need to take a breath and think instead of reacting in a panic. Be sensible; our mothers have been telling us all our lives to cover our noses and mouths when we sneeze or cough, to wash our hands, etc. Let's take a moment and apply some calm sensibility... this is Flu, not a hemorrhagic fever like Ebola. It's 2009, not 1918.

Be cautious, sure; but be sensible and, most importantly, be calm.