News

We’ve lived with influenza all through the era of modern medicine (from the late 19th century), with our understanding of this disease being greatly enhanced by recent, rapid developments in molecular and cell biology. By contrast, our acquaintance with SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 dates back only 16 months and, while we already know a lot, the focus has been more on finding ways to reduce the clinical toll than on dissecting the underlying pathological processes. Still, some of that has been progressing and – as is generally the case – further illuminating the intricacies of COVID-19 will supply a ‘different mirror’ that gives insights into other disease processes, including influenza.