Yeah, the only difference is H1N1 spreads faster, and as said before it does seem to be attracted to the elderly, and children (or people with low immune systems). Actually health officials have discouraged people from coming to the hospital unless symptoms are severe, because so many people are overreacting.

I think it is just the way the gov't announces things. People have a tendency to overreact, it seems to be one of our less flattering advanced emotions.