This document discusses avian influenza (bird flu) and pandemic influenza. It begins with background on influenza viruses and past pandemics. It then focuses on bird flu, including the H5N1 strain that has infected birds and humans. The document covers epidemiology of avian influenza, symptoms and diagnosis in humans, and the pandemic risk posed by an influenza virus acquiring easy human-to-human transmission. It concludes with recommendations for prevention, including avoiding sick birds, and global preparedness efforts led by organizations like WHO.