Hi All,
We have had H1N1 here in New Zealand since April. Whilst I agree the panic is uncalled for, I would tell you to prepare yourselves because it seems to be affecting children up to age 20 worse than anyone else.
All three of my kids have had it and it really knocked them for six. These are kids that usually do no get sick much so it was quite the surprise. My girls were home for two weeks!
People who have underlying conditions have to be careful. Heart/Diabetes/Asthma. If you or your kids have issues like that and get sick, def let your GP know cos they may just give you an antiviral med to keep it from getting too severe.
Otherwise standard protocol applies, proper handwashing, covering mouth/nose when coughing/sneezing, liquids, paracetemol. I didn't get it (surprise) but then again I take a multivitamin and additional C and Zinc. That seemed to keep me from getting it (and when I say the only one who didn't get it, I mean in my family of five and in my group of mates....everyone got it in some form or another - supposedly Wellington NZ has the most cases of it in the world right now).
No need to panic, just be aware that it is a bit more nasty than the average flu and just take care.