Incidence and mortality of influenz

Incidence and mortality of influenza outbreaks vary annually,but have characteristic time courses with rising case numbers inwinter [1]. Re-assortment between influenza viruses leads topandemics or seasonal epidemics with possible intercontinentaldistribution [2e4]. In seasonal influenza, 5%e10% of a populationare affected [5] and intensive care management is mandatory insevere pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).Globally, an estimated 290 000 to 646 000 patients die due toseasonal influenza every year [6]. A recent publication challengesthe common perception that influenza B virus in comparison toinfluenza A virus mainly causes mild illness