[Epidemiology and prevention of influenza].
The paper summarizes information on the epidemiology of influenza and on the impact on main preventive measures. Data show as the incidence of Influenza Like Illness has been declining in the last ten years and also the seriousness of the disease, in terms of mortality and social disruption, is limited. Among preventive intervention the use of modern antiviral drugs appears to have no effect on incidence and minimal impact on duration of disease, and the overall effectiveness of vaccination with inactivated vaccine in just around 25% while higher effects are shown by public health intervention aimed to interrupt transmission of respiratory viruses like frequent handwashing and wearing mask, gloves and gown.
Regione Piemonte, Direttore Direzione Regionale Sanità, Italy.
Vittorio
V
Demicheli
D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*