Update on influenza and other viral pneumonias

Major developments during the past 5 years concerning influenza prevention by vaccination and treatment with neuraminidase inhibitors are reviewed. These have been accompanied by increased media interest in related issues: pressures on hospital admissions, ethical concerns and controls on prescribing limiting professional autonomy. The new live attenuated influenza vaccines, adjuvanted vaccines and the emerging recombinant DNA vaccines are discussed. Recent information on neuraminidase inhibitor antivirals, surveillance for resistant viruses, the prospects for near patient tests (i.e. tests that can be used near the patient to improve immediate patient management or in the laboratory to give rapid feedback for physicians) and the clinical significance of other respiratory viruses are highlighted. The benefits of recent advances provide challenges for health care delivery and public acceptance as great as those involved in their scientific development.