Influenza is an acute viral disease with involvement of the respiratory tract. It can be life-threatening. New types of influenza viruses can spread globally and cause influenza pandemics with exalted case numbers. The knowledge about epidemiology, preventive hygiene and vaccination, diagnostic, therapy and clinics are essential for the general practitioner as well as the specialist. This article gives an overview with focus on seasonal influenza in adults. In addition, molecular pathological characteristics of influenza viruses are explained and current problems in influenza management are named. The course consists of 10 multiple-choice questions to consolidate the acquired knowledge.