I do take the H1N1 flu seriously. And now I take ANY flu seriously.
I've never known anyone to die due to the flu. But now that I have lost a friend to the H1N1 I am very aware.
I agree that the media has blown the H1N1 strain up. But maybe it will make people aware that any flu can be deadly. I know I am much more careful in situations where germs can be spread. I'm not a germophobe (well, almost), but I am more aware.