re: Is the threat of an infuenza pandemic overstated?
Admitedly, the media exaggerates most stuff in their quest for audience and revenue. The price for capatilism. But I've read stuff by bio folks in the know that we still don't understand the 1918 flu pandemic. That which is not known is a risk. For real medical science issues, I'd go to Derek Lowe's blog or to Virginia Postrel's blog.
As to this season's flu, remember the pre-election press about lack of vaccine? Bogus, as flu vaccine was readily available and has gone unused.