Hey Lava,
I had to think of you when I heard these news. First of all I hope you're not affected directly.
I'm not so sure about the influenza, about why it gets so much media interest. I mean, of course there will be another pandemy, a world-wide influenza outbreak, sooner or later. Historically speaking, his happens rather frequently about every twenty years on average or so, if I'm not mistaken. You don't need a terrorist attack, biological warfare or an apocalypse for that; it's just Mother Nature at work. Another pandemy is bound to come sooner or later, and it's good to see that there is a certain awareness of that in the governments and that there are attempts to be prepared. I don't think that the plans are perfect, but there is a good chance to alleviate the outbreak when it comes.
I still wonder, though, why this "Mexican flu" gets so much media interest that it's been top news of our papers today. But then again I have to admit that this virus seems to have pandemic potential: It's new, it's able to spread between humans, and that it affects younger people so badly is a scary parallel to the terrible "Spanish flu" from 1918-1920. Well, whatever, it's still good that the governments are reacting so quickly.
And on top of all these worries an earthquake.
As if the thread of a dangerous disease wasn't bad enough. Keep a cool and clear mind, Lava. I hope you'll get through all this well - and I hope you'll reach your goals, apocalypse or not.
Best regards!
Markus