This volume covers a common infectious disease that afflicts millions every year-the flu-but one that has the potential of being at the center of a new pandemic, similar to the one that killed millions during 1918. Influenza examines all aspects of this disease, including: * The influenza virus and how it leads to infection in humans. * The definition of epidemics and pandemics, and a description of the Influenza Pandemic of 1918. * The clinical signs and symptoms of influenza, and how it impacts special populations, such as the elderly and HIV-infected patients * The treatment and prevention of the flu The volume includes a glossary of important terms and a bibliography of accessible works that discuss the disease.