The Obama administration so far appears to be striking the right balance in its reaction to the swine flu health threat - taking the necessary steps to try to prevent a serious health emergency while not reacting so dramatically that it causes an unwarranted panic.

But this remains a very perilous situation. Public health officials do not have a good handle on just how bad things may get. And if fears about the spread of the disease disrupt international commerce and travel, it could pitch the already fragile world economy into a deeper crisis.

Political and public health officials must choose their words and plan their actions carefully and act in concert as much as possible. Andoora Vassilou, the European Union's health commissioner, recommended against travel to North America. Dr. Richard Besser, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, called the recommendation unwarranted.

Those types of contradictory statements can only add to public confusion.

Given uncertainty as to how serious the crisis may get and the fact that the epicenter of the outbreak is the nation's immediate southern neighbor, Mexico, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napoliatano made the right call in declaring a national public health emergency. The emergency declaration frees federal money for distribution of antiviral drugs, if necessary, cuts through red tape in getting drugs to children and allows the government to move quickly if the problem escalates.

Americans can help by not ignoring flu-like symptoms - fever, fatigue, coughing, vomiting or diarrhea - particularly if they have traveled to Mexico or been in contact with someone who did. People should wash their hands frequently, cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze and stay home if feeling ill.

Due diligence is in order, but an overreaction could cause more damage economically than the illness itself. The medical profession, government and individuals need to keep that in mind.