ABSTRACT
Influenza viruses belong to four genera of the Orthomyxoviridae: A, B, C and D. Compared with influenza B, C and D viruses, influenza A virus has a characteristic with varied hosts, numerous serotypes and frequent cross-species transmission. Influenza A virus also is an important zoonotic pathogen which can cause a new human influenza pandemic. The impact of influenza virus on human health and public health can be divided into three levels: influenza pandemic, seasonal influenza and human infection with animal influenza virus. In view of the serious harm of influenza virus to human and animal health and its complex ecosystem, influenza virus has been a hotspot in the field of life science and public health. From the perspective of public health, this paper reviews the etiological research fields and its research progress closely related to influenza prevention and control, including seasonal influenza virus surveillance, influenza virus ecology, broad-spectrum neutralizing antibodies and universal vaccines, as well as the etiological assessment of influenza pandemic risk.