The epidemiologic success of influenza viruses that cause annual epidemics and sporadic pandemics, results from the remarkable ability of the virus to change through antigenic drift and shift. The diversity and antigenic change in influenza viruses create a challenge for prevention and treatment. Several strategies to develop broadly cross-reactive or universal influenza vaccines are being actively explored. Combining different vaccine platforms and the inclusion of adjuvants increase the breadth of the immune response. The lead candidates for universal vaccines target the conserved stalk of the influenza haemagglutinin. Antiviral drugs that inhibit the viral neuraminidase are the mainstay of treatment. However, the need for improvement is well recognised and monoclonal antibodies directed at conserved epitopes on the haemagglutinin show promise as adjuncts to antiviral drugs. Preclinical and clinical advances will be discussed.