Influenza is a major public health problem worldwide. Mutations and resistance development make the use of antiviral therapy challenging. Chinese patent medicines are often used to treat influenza in China and well tolerable. However, the misuse of Chinese patent medicines is common. We therefore aimed to develop an evidence-based guideline on treating influenza with Chinese patent medicines in adults to guide clinical practice. We formed a steering committee, a consensus panel, a consultants' group and an evidence synthesis team to guide the development of the guideline. We formulated the clinical questions through two rounds of survey, and finally selected five questions. We then systematically searched the related evidence and conducted meta -analyses, evidence summaries and GRADE decision tables to draft the recommendations, which the consensus panel then voted on using the Delphi method. Finally, we formulated six recommendations based on the evidence synthesis and experts' consensus. For treating mild influenza, we suggest either Lianhua Qingwen capsule, Jinhua Qinggan granule, Banlangen granule, Shufeng Jiedu capsule, or Jinfang Baidu pill, depending on the manifestations. For severe influenza, or mild influenza in patients at high risk of developing severe influenza, we suggest Lianhua Qingwen capsule in combination with antiviral medications and supportive therapy. The strength of all recommendations was weak. Traditional Chinese medicine has great potential to help in the fight against influenza worldwide, but more high-quality studies are still needed to strengthen the evidence.

Objective We review published economic evaluations of influenza vaccination for children, including direct individual benefits and indirect societal benefits, to determine whether more studies are needed to fully understand the expected benefits of such strategies. Methods We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE databases to May 2006 and in-press articles to October 2006 for studies including economic analyses of influenza vaccination in children. Abstracts of all potentially relevant articles were screened. Results Fifteen relevant articles from 1983 were retained. Most were based on modelling, using previously published data and considered the societal perspective. Three were a part of prospective clinical trials. Various paediatric vaccination scenarios and parameters were considered. Vaccinating children against influenza was cost saving or cost effective in 10/15 studies, cost saving or effective only under certain conditions in three studies, and not cost saving or effective in two studies whatever the outcome or perspective considered. Conclusions Most published evidence points to an economic interest for society of vaccinating children against influenza. However, differences in study design hinder the comparison of the various vaccination strategies considered. Comparable and complete data on the burden and cost of disease, and the cost of vaccination are needed, especially outside of North America.

Authors' objectives: Seasonal influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that may be prevented by annual influenza vaccination. In Ireland, those aged 65 years and older are eligible to receive a free annual influenza vaccine through the Health Service Executive (HSE) Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme. Currently, a standard influenza vaccine is used. Vaccine effectiveness may be reduced in some individuals due to an ageing or compromised immune system. Therefore, enhanced influenza vaccines have been developed in an attempt to increase vaccine effectiveness. The Department of Health requested that HIQA complete a health technology assessment (HTA) of using an enhanced inactivated influenza vaccine for those aged 65 years and older in the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme. The protocol document outlines the evidence synthesis approach that HIQA’s evaluation team will use to complete this piece of work.

Authors' objectives: The aim of this rapid Health Technology Assessment was to inform a decision on expanding the influenza vaccination programme in Ireland to include reimbursement of standard quadrivalent influenza vaccines (QIVs) for those aged 50 to 64 years old in the general population (that is, those not at increased risk of sever disease from influenza).