NewsHour Correspondent Ray Suarez is in Mexico City this week, where health officials are optimistic that the spread of H1N1 "swine flu" virus is waning. With the help of the antiviral drug, Tamiflu, more flu patients are recovering and leaving Mexico City's hospitals than are coming in to receive treatment. Although health clinics and hospitals have found less people testing positive for swine flu, Mexico City residents remain wary of the virus that is still spreading. Many continue to wear flu masks and avoid public spaces. Meanwhile, Mexican and international health officials have praised the country's measured response to the flu outbreak. Epidemiologist Pablo Kuri said that previous health scares have provided nations with the experience to deal with the H1N1 virus. "We are better prepared now than we were before SARS, for example, because SARS taught us lessons that we should have, and before anthrax, because anthrax taught us lessons, and before T.B., and before malaria, and before tuberculosis. You're always learning. And the system is always better prepared when you accumulate experience," he said. Quotes "We don't have any water. We have to carry it in. And now we really need water because of the virus that's all around us." - Estela Galvan, Mexico City resident "It's a simple balance. It's the health of the people or the economy. And in a case like this, the health is more important. So they're extreme measures, but if you can save some lives, it's worth it." - Manuel Camacho Solis, former Mayor of Mexico City on closing businesses to prevent spreading the flu "In Mexico, it's a cultural thing not to go to the doctor. You can even buy medications at the drug store without prescription. So many patients take drugs by themselves. They don't ask the doctor. So they were coming very late to the hospital." - Dr. Francisco Moreno, doctor Warm Up Questions 1. What do you know about the H1N1 or swine flu? 2. Where did the flu outbreak start? Where has it spread to? Discussion Questions 1. Some U.S. schools have closed because of the flu virus. Have you been nervous about the swine flu? Why or why not? 2. How does the severity of this virus compare to other health scares that you have heard about like SARS or anthrax? 3. Thousands of people die from the regular flu virus each year - many more than have died from this swine flu outbreak. Why do you think that there has been so much media coverage of the swine flu? Additional Resources Read the transcript In-depth coverage: Global Health Watch