Susceptibility to influenza virus infection of bronchial biopsies in asthma

Influenza causes significant morbidity and mortality, especially in patients with chronic lung diseases.1 Infection results in inflammatory cell influx and leads to either resolution or increased lung immunopathology and resulting morbidity,2 especially in patients with chronic airways diseases where viruses exacerbate inflammation and, subsequently, symptoms. Those with asthma are more susceptible to influenza and are, therefore, the most common population hospitalized, although, interestingly, they are less likely to develop severe disease or die than those without asthma.

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