At my university it's really been a big deal, in the sense that a huge proportion of the students have had it. But no one has died, and life marches on just as normal, with the exception that the professors are being a bit more generous with their absence policies.

So it's hard to say whether this is overblown or not. One thing is that it would be nice if there were somewhat more info readily available. How does the flu progress*? What happens first? At this point, are you really a terrible person if you don't quarantine yourself?

*There are a couple people here who have already had it, yes? Maybe they could answer this question? I had a slight cough but thought I was fine, then suddenly last night had really bad vomiting etc., and since then, sore throat/worse cough/headaches. Don't own a thermometer, so that bit's a mystery. But either way it doesn't seem to be that bad in my case, if that's indeed what I have.