WHO Raises Pandemic Alert Level to 5

from CNN:

"This change to a higher phase of alert is a signal to governments, to ministries of health and other ministries, to the pharm industry and the business community that certain actions now should be taken with increased urgency and at an accelerated pace," Chan said.

Most people I know are cautiously worried about this thing, but see it as a simple matter of whether or not they themselves will get sick or not. People on the whole are missing the larger impact that a pandemic flu scare could have on an already reeling world economy.

If people opt (or are asked to) stay home from restaurants and public events (as is happening in Mexico city), the impact on the economy could be sudden and severe.