CRP and influenza: This was supported in a small study of 11 patients infected with avian A(H7N9) virus infection who demonstrated a significant correlation between AST levels and the Th2 cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐9.202 The absence of influenza virus antigen in hepatocytes and the correlation between elevated liver function tests and systemic markers of inflammation including CRP suggests that the underlying pathogenesis of influenza‐associated hepatic disease is likely a result of systemic inflammation.193