Influenza and other respiratory illnesses pose an ongoing issue in Australia leading to significant morbidity and mortality particularly in the elderly.  We investigate many aspects of seasonal and pandemic influenza and other viruses, including vaccination, viral interference, and the impact of disease severity.  We also consider implications of changes in farming practices - such as the rise in free-range farms - on the risk of avian influenza outbreaks in poultry, and the resulting risk of human illness.