This is always a damned if you do/don't do situation. Any mention of taking sensible precautions is seen as fear mongering and government spokespersons trying to calm others down are not taking things seriously enough.

I note that (based on something I read earlier and don't have a link for) if you were vaccinated for the H1N1 flu that was epidemic in the US in 1976/7, you have a bit of a leg up on this one. I was in Air Force basic training during that, in quarantine at Lackland AFB. You can say that was an over-reaction, but there is no way to tell what might have been prevented.

As with anything, listen and investigate the facts, then make intelligent decisions for yourselves.