If there is a flu pandemic, it will likely be due to a strain of the virus that we as humans have never seen before. Most of these viruses come from animals. When one mutates enough to infect humans, we see these outbreaks. The strain of flu that we see most years comes from birds. If a strain of the virus, in say pigs, mutates enough to infect humans, there may be a large outbreak. Since humans have not been exposed to a strain of flu from swine in quite some time, there is no built in immunity to it. It's a little complicated, but the potential is quite chilling. I think it is only a matter of time before we see another great flu pandemic that could wipe out millions worldwide.
As far as the flu vaccine, I recommend it to some of my patients, but not all. People over the age of 65, with lung problems, serious heart problems and front line healthcare providors should all get the vaccine. The vaccine does not contain live virus. It is an inactivated virus. The nasal mist is another story. I was unable to find any documentation indicating that the vaccine contains mercury, or any other toxic items.
As far as the suggestions listed above, they are all reasonable suggestions for being healthy. There isn't a whole lot of good peer reviewed data to support many of the things listed, but I think on the whole, avoiding a lot of bad for you food, getting enough sleep are all things that are good for you.
The one thing that I will whole heartedly agree with is WASH YOUR HANDS! You don't need to use antimicrobial soap. Plain old water and whatever soap is handy is more than sufficient. I won't get on my soap box about the over-proliferation of antimicrobial everything right now. Just use a little soap and water to wash them dirty old hands of yours
. Doing that alone will drastically reduce your risk of getting sick.