For those intrested in the avian flu pandemic, the best book around is on the flu of 1918 the title is

Flu - The story of the Great Influenza Pandemic of 1918 and the search of the virus that caused it. By Gina Kolata.

If a new pandemic hit like it did in 1918 no one will be untouched by it. Even people who lived in remote areas were devistated by the virus in 1918. Reading this book is a good way to mentally prepare for it.