Severe sepsis is traditionally associated with bacterial diseases. While fungi and parasites can also cause sepsis, they are significantly less common than bacterial causes. However, viruses are becoming a growing cause of severe sepsis worldwide. Among these viruses, influenza is crossing all geographic boundaries and is causing larger epidemics and pandemics. As a consequence, more critically ill patients with severe sepsis caused directly by influenza viruses, or indirectly by influenza-induced secondary bacterial infections are being admitted to hospitals worldwide. This manuscript aims to provide a pathophysiological and clinical update on the link between influenza and severe sepsis.
Keywords: infection; influenza; sepsis; severe sepsis; viral.