Scientists are still tracking the H1N1 swine flu virus to see how it evolves over the coming months, but we may have already learned important lessons from this outbreak.
A joint report from the Trust for America's Health, the Center for Biosecurity and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation offers these observations.
Some aspects of the pandemic flu planning went well. For example, the stockpiles of antiviral medication helped in treating many people who did get sick.
But there were difficulties. Families struggled to manage when schools closed.
Also, testing of samples often took longer than expected and some emergency departments faced over crowding.
The joint group is now recommending experts come up with a plan for rapid vaccination of all Americans.
