[classicman]

Rhodes also understands that there is a lot of changing information about H1N1, most of it a result of earlier misconceptions about how deadly the virus would turn out to be.

Data released by the CDC last week show at least 22 million Americans have contracted H1N1 since the outbreak began in April and 3,900 have died, including about 540 children.

The total is about three times the number of deaths the agency had been reporting. Previous figures were based on laboratory-confirmed cases, while the new number reflects the best estimate by agency epidemiologists.

The new numbers also suggest the toll from swine flu may approach that normally associated with seasonal flu. About 36,000 Americans die each year from the seasonal flu.

If there is a silver lining to the H1N1 virus, it is that so many people now have taken up good hygiene practices that will help stop the spread of flu in the future.

Those positive signs also were reflected in the latest poll, with 97 percent saying they plan to wash their hands more often and 84 percent saying they will use hand disinfectants.

In addition, Rhodes believes public perception about the H1N1 vaccine is changing, especially as more people are vaccinated and doubts begin to fade.

''Seeing is believing,'' he said. ''If you have a very active vaccine campaign in your own hometown and work sites and nothing bad happens, it's powerful proof.''

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Is that really proof or just supposition?