Pol. Merkur. Lek (Pol. Med. J.), 2012, XXXIII/197: 265-269

SUMMARY IN POLISH & ENGLISH. FULL ARTICLE ONLY IN POLISH.

Influenza virus infections

Pacholska-Pytlakowska M.

Military Institute of Medicine in Warsaw, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of National Defense, Department of Internal Medicine, Pneumonology and Allergology

Influenza is a viral infectious disease, having mainly a predisposition to the respiratory system, but also in particular circumstances giving multi-organ complications. Due to the ongoing volatility and continuous evolution of the biology of the virus, the fight with it, and effective prevention is still a challenge for researchers. However, the results and observations made to date indicate that the immunizations are considered the most appropriate method for preventing mass illness. Seasonal influenza each year is a huge threat to the health and life of patients around the world, especially for the elderly population and loaded by chronic diseases. Moreover, serious infections are caused by viruses arising as a result of mutation, which was the case with the H1N1 pandemic and mass illness due to infection with H5N1 virus.

Key words: Influenza, influenza A/H5N1, influenza A/H1N1, vaccination

Pol. Merk. Lek., 2012, XXXIII, 197, 265