I think what's being missed in the media is the age and demographics of those needing hospitalization an those that have died.
The "normal" seasonal flu targets the old, young, and the weak. The swine flu is primarily hospitalizing and killing adults age 20-45. This is very unusual and is a telltale for the makings of a serious situation in the future.
The deaths among ages 20-45 have all of the hallmarks of a cytokine storm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytokine_storm. Basically, keeping this as simple as possible here, the flu appears to be mild, but this strain is causing a reaction in healthy adults that causes their immune systems to grossly overreact and attack not only the virus but healthy body tissue as well. The bodies immune system essentially turns on itself. There is no fix for a cytokine storm. The best defense is to stop the viral infection early to limit the bodies response, and to hopefully avoid an overreaction by the immune system.
The other worry is that the overall hallmarks of this virus are similar to the Spanish Flu of 1918, which also surfaced in the spring before reemerging later that fall far more deadly, and killing a large number of 20-45 yr olds, it was also highly contagious.
Through some contacts at the CDC, and some profs at Ga.Tech I can tell you that this virus has left more than a few short of breath, and while not an emergency right now, it demands a very watchful eye.
Also I'll pass on some info that I've come across that should not be taken as gospel, but that I've instructed my family and friends to do from information that has found its way to me. These are just friendly suggestions that you may want to look into. Take them for what they're worth.
*Look into getting a Pneumovax shot ASAP.
*Obtain Tamiflu and Ralenza if possible.
*Obtain Antibiotics for possible secondary infections. (Zpack, Aug, Cipro have been suggested)
*Have 2weeks of food at home in case you have to deal with a Mex City type shutdown.
Just some info, no need to panic, but this swine flu strain does warrant a watchful eye because of it's current genetic makeup, just try not to blow it off as being the same as the "normal" flu, because that it is not.
Everyone just be careful, wash those hands, and hopefully this will be a big nuthingburger.