Associated Press: Irresponsible Journalism?

Making every effort to report the recent swine flu outbreak responsibly, the Associated Press has a piece titled: "Is swine flu 'the big one' or a flu that fizzles?":

Is this the novel virus that will kill millions around the world, as pandemics did in 1918, 1957 and 1968?

The short answer is it's too soon to tell.

Is this an example of irresponsible fear-mongering on the part of the AP? Can we get away with sweeping statements as long as they are framed as questions?

The short answer is it's too soon to tell. The really short answer is yes.