Influenza

Abstract

Although most influenza infections are self-limited, few other diseases exert such a huge toll of suffering and economic loss. Despite the importance of influenza, there had been, until recently, little advance in its control since amantadine was licensed almost 40 years ago. During the past decade, evidence has accrued on the protection afforded by inactivated vaccines and the safety and efficacy in children of live influenza-virus vaccines. There have been many new developments in vaccine technology. Moreover, work on viral neuraminidase has led to the licensing of potent selective antiviral drugs, and economic decision modelling provides further justification for annual vaccination and a framework for the use of neuraminidase inhibitors. Progress has also been made on developing near-patient testing for influenza that may assist individual diagnosis or the recognition of widespread virus circulation, and so optimise clinical management. Despite these advances, the occurrence of avian H5N1, H9N2, and H7N7 influenza in human beings and the rapid global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome are reminders of our vulnerability to an emerging pandemic. The contrast between recent cases of H5N1 infection, associated with high mortality, and the typically mild, self-limiting nature of human infections with avian H7N7 and H9N2 influenza shows the gaps in our understanding of molecular correlates of pathogenicity and underlines the need for continuing international research into pandemic influenza. Improvements in animal and human surveillance, new approaches to vaccination, and increasing use of vaccines and antiviral drugs to combat annual influenza outbreaks are essential to reduce the global toll of pandemic and interpandemic influenza.

Factors promoting the prolonged shedding of the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus in patients treated with oseltamivir for 5 days

“…In seasonal influenza, prolonged viral shedding can occur in children,15 immunocompromised people,16 and elderly hospitalized patients with comorbidities 17. With regard to 2009 H1N1 influenza, Ling et al 18.…”

Estimating the burden of influenza‐associated hospitalizations and deaths in Chile during 2012‐2014

“…Transmission of influenza tends to increase during the winter season in countries with temperate climates, often severely impacting the healthcare services network 1. The Ministry of Health (MoH) of Chile (MINSAL), before the seasonal rise and prior to the seasonal increase in influenza transmission, carries out annual vaccination campaigns against influenza, following the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation for the composition of the Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine.…”

Identification of amino acid substitutions in avian influenza virus (H5N1) matrix protein 1 by using nanoelectrospray MS and MS/MS

“…Among the various subtypes of influenza A virus, avian H5N1, one of the most highly pathogenic subtypes, has been found to cross species barrier and to result in human infection in recent years, including the 1997 and 2003 outbreaks in Hong Kong [2]. The avian influenza virus can acquire the ability for transmission to humans, mainly as a result of adaptive mutation or genetic reassortment in the strains.…”