The beginning of both the H1N1 and COVID-19 outbreaks appeared similar in terms of major turning points. At the beginning of both H1N1 and COVID-19 pandemics, the genetic sequences of both viruses were released online to enable scientists to begin development of diagnostic tests, vaccines, and antiviral treatments. Just nine days after (H1N1)pdm09 was detected, on April 24, 2009, the CDC uploaded genetic sequences of the virus to a public database and work began on developing a vaccine. Five days after SARS-CoV-2 was detected, on January 12, 2020, Chinese scientists published the viral genetic sequence, and scientists around the globe catapulted into action. The U.S. declared H1N1 to be a public health emergency just 11 days after the first confirmed U.S. case in 2009. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also declared COVID-19 a public health emergency 11 days after the first U.S. case was detected.