  Symbiotic stars are long-period interacting binary systems in which an
evolved red giant star transfers material to its much hotter compact companion.
Such a composition places them among the most variable stars. In addition to
periodic variations due to the binary motion they often show irregular changes
due to nova-like eruptions of the hot component. In some systems the cool giant
is a pulsating Mira-type star usually surrounded by a variable dust shell.
Here, I present results of optical and IR monitoring of symbiotic systems as
well as future prospects for such studies.

Astrophysics