The flu is so common that people don't often see it as a deadly and debilitating disease. Despite the advances made by science, each year 5 million people worldwide get the flu, and thousands die from complications. This fascinating book sheds light on what the flu is, and the role of medical technology in diagnosing it and developing treatments such as drugs and vaccines.

The enemy -- The battle begins -- An invisible threat -- Under attack -- Epidemics and pandemics -- Case study: 1889 Russian flue -- Studying the enemy -- Tracking the enemy -- Case study: Tracing the Spanish flu -- Armed with medicine -- Taking it to the front line -- Fighting back -- Case study: the 2009-2010 swine flue pandemic -- New weapons -- Future warefare.