The world is unprepared for an impending flu pandemic, lacking public awareness and medicine, The Washington Post reports.

Public health officials around the world are trying to plan for the outbreak, including quarantines.

Flu vaccines are in short supply and could take months for more even if the orders are fast-tracked.

A deadly new virus is showing up in more places as well. The avian bird flu, first noticed in 18 months ago in Southeast Asian poultry flocks, is spreading at a rate that is worrying health authorities.

Washington Times