As scientists scramble to unlock the mysteries of Avian Flu (H5N1) and its possible pandemic consequences, it is important that we take a look at the history of pandemic influenza and especially the Spanish Influenza of 1918/19. The 1918 pandemic gives us an unusually clear look at what "might be" for us in the days ahead. Although this look at the past is very disheartening, it also holds out several rays of hope for our generation. May we learn from history.

Mrs. C