I caution you against dismissing this as unserious. If you think it isn't I suggest you review Calculus and the logistic growth equation. Once you've understood this function and it's model of population growth you will then be able to understand the seriousness of any new disease or strain. Our goal is to prevent the growth from spiraling out of control.
I remind you the last flu epidemic killed millions. No reason to play games. Besides this gives the media something better to cover than tea parties.
1 death is serious to me. That's someones family member.
Plus different people groups have less resistance to the flu.
I think if anything this took to long to get serious recognition. It should have been contained to Mexico and their borders locked down. Disease isn't a game and the wrong one can wipe out 1/4th of our population with ease.
As well pointed out 60,000 people die from the flu each year. I suggest you get vaccinated to prevent the spread of the disease. My hope is someday we can eradicate it.