| Sub-title | |
| Author | T Mellillo |
| Abstract | Influenza is a highly contagious, acute febrile respiratory illness causing annual epidemics that are highly unpredictable. In contrast to most other acute respiratory infectious of viral origin with similar clinical symptoms, influenza is usually more severe and is commonly associated with complications either directly through primary viral pneumonia or indirectly through secondary non influenza complications either pulmonary or non pulmonary in nature. Every year, influenza results in 3-5 millions cases of severe illness and kills 0.25-0.5 million people worldwide. It affects people of all age groups especially the elderly and very young, and is a major burden for society from both clinical and economical points of view. Influenza remains the most major health threat worldwide. As the elderly population increases, future influenza epidemics will be associated with ever increasing hospitalization rates and excess mortality unless adequate prophylactic measures are taken. Since 2003, Sentinel Surveillance on influenza activity in Malta started being monitored. A group of General Practitioners participate every year throughout October up to May the following year, and provide daily information on the incidence of influenza like illnesses seen in their practices. The aim is to collect timely information on influenza activity to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this disease |
Published in: | |
| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 18 Supplement |
| Page | |
| Date | 01/12/2006 |
| Link to journal | |
| Key words | family practice, general practitioner, family doctor, influenza, sentinel surveillance |