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. Th ese have been accompanied by increased media interest in related issues: pr essures on hospital admissions, ethical concerns and controls on prescribin g limiting professional autonomy, The new live attenuated influenza vaccine s, adjuvanted vaccines and the emerging recombinant DNA vaccines are discus sed. Recent information on neuraminidase inhibitor antivirals, surveillance for resistant viruses, the prospects for near patient tests (i.e. tests th at can be used near the patient to improve immediate patient management or in the laboratory to give rapid feedback for physicians) and the clinical s ignificance of other respiratory viruses are highlighted. The benefits of r ecent advances provide challenges for health care delivery and public accep tance as great as those involved in their scientific development. Curr Opin infect Dis 14:199-204. (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.