Influenza.

Influenza is a major killer and world health problem. Infection rates are highest in children, but complication rates are highest in the elderly, patients with chronic pulmonary and cardiovascular disease, immunosuppressed patients, and diabetics. Widespread vaccination, particularly of individuals at high risk, is crucial in decreasing incidence, controlling epidemics, and reducing complications. A new class of antiviral drugs, the neuraminidase inhibitors, has been shown to be effective in reducing time to alleviation of symptoms, close contact prophylaxis, and reducing complications of high risk individuals.