Influenza: Epidemiology and prevention ; Gripas: Epidemiologija ir prevencija

Influenza is an acute respiratory illness, caused by influenza A, B and C viruses. The incidence is especially high in children and adults over 65 years old. Clinical illness follows a short incubation period and presentation ranges from asymptomatic to fulminant, depending on the characteristics of both the virus and the individual host. The flu virus shows a strong seasonal pattern: in the northern hemisphere the appearance peak occurs during February. Due to both circumstances, the gravity of the disease and its seasonality, makes it recommendable to have a vaccination programme, specially directed towards high risk patients, including children.