Influenza: the once and future pandemic.
Influenza A viruses infect large numbers of warm-blooded animals, including wild birds, domestic birds, pigs, horses, and humans. Influenza viruses can switch hosts to form new lineages in novel hosts. The most significant of these events is the emergence of antigenically novel influenza A viruses in humans, leading to pandemics. Influenza pandemics have been reported for at least 500 years, with inter-pandemic intervals averaging approximately 40 years.
Taubenberger
Jeffery K
JK
Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 33 North Dr., Rm. 3E19A.2, MSC 3203, Bethesda, MD 20892-3203, USA. taubenbergerj@niaid.nih.gov
Morens
David M
DM
D000818:Animals; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000266:history*; D004197:Disease Reservoirs / Q000821:virology; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; D005585:Influenza in Birds / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000266:history; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000266:history*; D011200:Poultry