TALK of a possible influenza pandemic is frightening. But no talk would be more frightening still.

If the authorities were adopting the ostrich approach to avian flu we would have the right to be deeply worried. Instead, "a great deal of local multi-agency and country-wide planning is being carried out to ensure we are in the best possible position to respond to a flu pandemic," according to Dr Louise Coole.

The North Yorkshire health protection specialist tonight spells out the planning under way and the options being considered. We can take reassurance from the methodical preparations which are already in train.

The potential outbreak has been compared with that of Spanish flu, which killed up to 50 million people between 1918 and 1919. Experts have warned that three or four times that number could die in a bird flu pandemic.

Chilling as these figures are, they are worst-case scenarios. There is no certainty that the virus will mutate to afflict humans. Even if it does, the situation is very different to that nearly 90 years ago.

Then, the world was exhausted and vulnerable after the bloodiest war in history. Spanish flu surprised a population whose defences were down. Medical knowledge and facilities were comparatively primitive.

Today we have been forewarned of the flu threat, and are able to forearm. Authorities from Downing Street to York Hospital are working to protect the public.

We all hope the worst does not happen. But North Yorkshire is preparing for it, just in case.

Updated: 09:24 Thursday, October 13, 2005