Martina Šutovská, Vilma Kollárová
Influenza is highly infectious viral disease that affects more than 10 % of the world population year after year. The course of influenza is very often worsened by secondary health complication; especially in patients belonged in high-risk group. The influenza infection is also the most frequent preventable cause of death. Even though vaccination is only one effective possibility in influenza prevention, the immunization coverage remains still low in the Slovak Republic. Vaccination against influenza is indicated predominantly for high-risk population groups. According to results of more clinical studies, the immunization of small children is very important, either. Recently, the topic of new influenza types has been widely discussed by specialists as well as general public – previously the „avian flu“ and now „swine flu“. Actually, many controversial data were published about atypical influenza H1N1, known as swine flu. Currently, all three types of inactivated trivalent vaccines are available protecting against seasonal flu as well as pandemic caused by H5N1 and H1N1 subtypes. The subunit influenza vaccines contain thymus – independent exogenous antigens, which activate B-lymphocytes directly. The thymus – dependent exogenous antigens are main compound of whole virion and split virion vaccines. Except of antibodies production, their application results in activation of B-memory cells, either. The new „universal“ vaccines against influenza with no need for annual revaccination and clinical implication of new immunologically advantageous modes of vaccine administration to the clinical practice represent the main topic of present research works.