Many people believe that the outbreak of a bird-flu pandemic is an end-of-the-world scenario. They believe the only recourse is to trust those in charge. While it will be devastating to the economy and society, most experts agree that if a bird-flu pandemic does occur, it will last between 12 and 18 months before petering out. What you do to prepare for, and during, that outbreak will determine how you will live the rest of your life — not to mention the lives of your children, grandchildren and beyond.