Italian evidence-based guidelines for the management of influenza-like syndrome in adults and children.

Specific clinical practice recommendations for the management of influenza like-illness were developed by a national multidisciplinary panel (Guideline Development Group, GDG), and included in the update of the evidence-based clinical practice guideline: "Management of influenza-like syndrome" issued by the Italian National Guidelines System (SNLG May 2008). The methodological process included: creation of a GDG, definition of key questions, search strategies, critical appraisal of the selected studies, development and grading of recommendations. Eight clinical questions were defined regarding: rapid tests for influenza, treatment, and hospitalization criteria. Eighty studies underwent critical appraisal. The GDG develops recommendations for each key question.