Update on Influenza

Abstract

Influenza continues to challenge global health systems due to its evolving clinical and epidemiological features, with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Vaccine development remains a cornerstone of prevention, with attention to annual strain selection and enhanced formulations such as adjuvanted, high-dose, and recombinant vaccines. Promising innovations on the horizon include next-generation influenza vaccines, multi-pathogen vaccines, and universal influenza vaccines, with new technologies employing mRNA platforms and alternative vaccine administration strategies. The role of antivirals for prophylaxis and treatment are evaluated, including synergistic effects and resistance trends. Considerations for vulnerable populations with increased risk are highlighted. This review provides a timely synthesis of current knowledge and emerging strategies in diagnostics, therapeutics, and prevention to strengthen clinical outcomes and public health responses to influenza in the United States.

Keywords: Infectious disease; Influenza; Pharmacology.