Maybe. Depends how the media plays it.
From what I've seen today, they've been very eager to point out 'pandemic' doesn't mean doom.
( my other username is a porsche , posting shit pictures so you don't have to, Thu 11 Jun 2009, 18:21, archived)

Mercifully so
There was almost a media blackout once a fair few people had it though.

But yes, like many people say, we're much more prepared this time, so hopefully the casualties will be the bare minimum.
( Methylene Blue - electrohead, Thu 11 Jun 2009, 18:22, archived)