What is with the whole "Swine Flu" scare as of late?

I know that influenza can SOMETIMES be lethal but the media is doing nothing but causing a massive panic here in America over it. I have heard that 83 people have died from this new flu but I gotta ask why did this flu magically appear?

Humans have been living/taking care of cattle for years before and no disease like this has been seen until now.

I think it has to be something more to this illness than just "OH, THE PIGS GAVE IT TO US!" sort of deal.

I am not saying its a conspiracy or anything but it makes me wonder how many people here in the city actually wash their hands frequently. New York City is a cesspool of germs considering how many people are living literally right on top of each other here. Everything is pretty gross here, the subways are icky and the streets are sometimes just as icky.

I highly doubt that this flue would really affect the hardy New Yorkers here but it has infected a school in Queens.

I guess I just better be careful about what I touch and be conscious to wash my hands more often.

Maybe even buying a hand sanitizer will be a smart idea.