The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, today launched its updated Web site on influenza research for members of the media and general public. Titled "Focus on the Flu," the Web site spotlights cutting-edge NIAID-supported research; graphics that illuminate concepts important to understanding influenza research, such as reverse genetics and antigenic shift and drift; health-related facts sheets; recent NIAID publications and Congressional testimony; and other flu resources.

The Web site is available at http://www.niaid.nih.gov/newsroom/FocusOn/Flu04.

NIAID is a component of the National Institutes of Health, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIAID supports basic and applied research to prevent, diagnose and treat infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, influenza, tuberculosis, malaria and illness from potential agents of bioterrorism. NIAID also supports research on transplantation and immune-related illnesses, including autoimmune disorders, asthma and allergies. Press releases, fact sheets and other NIAID-related materials are available on the NIAID Web site at http://www.niaid.nih.gov/.