[Influenza in global aspect].

Due to a high ability to change, the influenza virus is still a danger for humans. The outbreak of the next influenza pandemic is very probable. The disturbing events that occurred in Hong Kong in 1997 and in the beginning of 2003 confirmed such a possibility. Every year in Poland influenza causes from several hundred thousands to several millions of cases of infections. All over the world the annual number of influenza cases amounts to approximately 100 millions and from 0.5 million to 1 million patients die due to influenza. The most severe threat is connected with post-influenza complications that are the cause of death after influenza infection. The only one effective method of prophylaxis against influenza and its complications is vaccination. Moreover, since 1999 new anti-influenza drugs are available: oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). They are effective for treatment or for treatment and prophylaxis of infections caused by influenza virus type A and also type B. The efficacy of these drugs depends on appropriate diagnosis. Due to this fact laboratory diagnostics of respiratory infections is so important and crucial. It should be emphasised that clinical symptoms of infection may indicate influenza even if the disease is caused by other viral or bacterial pathogen.