[Influenza. Study of recent acquisitions. Prevention and therapy]

Experience in the field of influenza (vaccination, chemical prevention, clinical pictures, treatment) during the period 1964-1974 is briefly described. The possibility that certain gastroenteric syndromes may suitably be labelled as"influenza" is examined. The usefulness of EAI antibody determination in "a posteriori" differential diagnosis of certain clinical forms, the assessment of the value of vaccination, and for mediocolegal purposes is asserted. It is suggested, in the light of personal experience, that vaccination with virus strains involved at the outset of an epidemic will only be useful where the antibody response to such strains is equal to more than 1:80. The chemical prevention of the disease is briefly examined,though the view that it is only effective in special cases is maintained.