Abstract
Influenza is highly contagious infectious disease with epidemic even pandemic features of its spread. Influenza viruses are the causes of illness divided into three types A, B and C.
Human is the source of illness, virus is spreaded by virus-laden aerosols or by direct contact with infected objects and susceptibility of population to infection is general. Influenza is characterized by the fever, headache, artrodynia, myalgia, chills and cough.
The most frequent complication is presented by pneumonia. The rapid tests for antigen detection are used nowadays besides PCR testing and serological methods.
The treatment is supportive, two classes – adamantanes and NA inhibitors are available. Annual influenza vaccination is a basic part of prevention.