Pandemic flu, what are the risks?

What are the risks of pandemic flu becoming a reality ? I recommend you to read the information on the UK Department of Health Site.

"A severe form of avian influenza or ‘bird flu’ – called H5N1 – has affected poultry flocks and other birds in several countries since 2003. As of 21 February 2006, 170 people have also caught the infection, as a result of close and direct contact with infected birds. Ninety-two of these have subsequently died. There is no firm evidence that H5N1 has acquired the ability to pass easily from person ........."
http://www.dh.gov.uk/AboutUs/MinistersAndDepartmentLeaders/ChiefMedicalOfficer/Features/FeaturesArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4102997&chk=OcYuEL

See also www.pandemic-flu.co.uk for some useful links to main sites of information on the avian flu virus.