isirv

isirv is an independent and international scientific professional society promoting the prevention, detection, treatment, and control of influenza and other respiratory virus diseases. The Society has lead responsibility for organizing the largest international conference exclusively devoted to influenza prevention, control and treatment, including seasonal flu and pandemic preparedness, namely the Options for the Control of Influenza conferences, which take place every 3 to 4 years.

Influenza and acute respiratory virus disease is a field of public health with major international importance.  Recent epidemiological events - the influenza A(H1N1) 2009 pandemic, and ongoing outbreaks of highly virulent avian influenza A(H5N1) in several countries continue to highlight the requirement for international collaboration on research and development.  

Also, the sudden appearance of a new and highly pathogenic respiratory virus disease, SARS, in China in 2002 and its subsequent worldwide spread, served as a reminder of the importance of clinical and laboratory research, scientific communication and global collaboration to contribute to the early detection and containment of the outbreak.

A large number of laboratory and clinical scientists, public health professionals, and others around the world are involved in a broad range of activities in this field, including surveillance in man and animals, epidemiology, prevention by vaccines and antivirals, clinical studies, and basic scientific research.  Furthermore, preparing for the next influenza pandemic is a major priority and concern for many countries in light of lessons learned in 2009/2010, as well as preparedness for dealing with other, as yet unknown, respiratory virus outbreaks. isirv is the first professional scientific body to represent these activities internationally.

isirv undertakes a number of activities, including:

• Provide fora for the exchange of information and international collaboration between all people with a scientific interest in any aspect of influenza and other respiratory viral infections
• Promoting relevant scientific and clinical training and education
• Organizing scientific meetings and workshops on key topics and developing international consensus
• Supporting and developing partnership with other international organisations, such as WHO
• Having lead responsibility for the Options for the Control of Influenza conferences.  The next will be in Cape Town, South Africa, 4 - 10 September 2013.
• Providing an international voice advocating for a higher priority for this public health issue, including increased resources for research and public health action
• Promoting the dissemination of information on the impact of acute respiratory virus disease both locally and globally
• Developing and promoting guidelines on prevention and control policies
• Identifying gaps in knowledge
• Promoting and encouraging the publication of research, notably through our journal Influenza and other Respiratory Diseases. 
•   HOT NEWS: Isirv journal, Influenza and other Respiratory Diseases, acheives 2011 Impact Factor of 4.157