Acute respiratory illnesses and influenza-like illnesses (ILI) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Data from developed countries reveal that seasonal influenza can affect up to 15% of the population presenting with upper respiratory tract infections and may result in up to 500 000 deaths worldwide annually (1). Despite their public health importance, little was known about the aetiology of these illnesses in the countries of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR).