UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- The World Health Organization on Thursday urged governments to step up influenza vaccination programs, warning that many developing countries still don't perceive the disease as a major public health problem.

"For most healthy people, influenza leads to a high fever, headaches, coughing and a few days off from work or school," a statement from the U.N. health agency said. "For the elderly and chronically ill, however, the disease can mean hospitalization and even death."

The statement came at the end of a WHO meeting of experts this week in Geneva on determining the best vaccine for the southern hemisphere, which is entering it's flu season after winter.

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