[Prevention and control of influenza]

This piece summarizes a report that updates the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the United States of America with regard to the use of the influenza vaccine and of specific antiviral agents for influenza. The recommended 2002-2003 trivalent vaccine virus strains are A/Moscow/10/99 (H3N2)-like, A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1)-like, and B/Hong Kong/330/2001- like. The piece defines the groups who should be vaccinated and the persons who should not be, as well as adverse reactions to the vaccine. Influenza antivirals are a complement to-but not a replacement for-the vaccine in preventing and controlling the disease. The piece also analyzes for the antiviral agents the indications for their use, dosage, routes of administration, pharmacokinetic characteristics, interactions, and side effects.