One of the simplest and most effective ways of preparing for a possible pandemic relies on mass vaccination programs orchestrated by local governments. When you receive a vaccine your immune system identifies the viral proteins as foreign elements and develops a line of defense to combat and destroy them.

Once this is accomplished, the antibodies generated remain in your body alert of possible new intrusions, thus protecting your body from further contagion. This doesn't necessarily mean you will not be infected again but if you are, the level of danger is going to be reduced drastically and a flu may look more like a common cold.