Influenza virus

Definition

Influenza virus is an RNA virus that causes the contagious respiratory illness known as the flu. It primarily infects the nose, throat, and occasionally the lungs, leading to symptoms like fever, cough, and body aches.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. There are three main types of influenza viruses: A, B, and C, with types A and B being the most common causes of seasonal flu epidemics.
2. The influenza virus has a high mutation rate due to its segmented RNA genome, leading to frequent antigenic shifts and drifts.
3. Neuraminidase inhibitors (e.g., oseltamivir) are antiviral drugs commonly used to treat influenza by blocking viral release from host cells.
4. The primary mode of transmission for the influenza virus is through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
5. Annual vaccination is recommended as it significantly reduces the risk of infection and severity of symptoms if contracted.

Review Questions

Related terms

Antigenic Drift:

A gradual accumulation of mutations in viral genes that leads to changes in surface proteins, reducing immune recognition.

Antigenic Shift:

A sudden major change in an influenza virus antigen due to gene reassortment between different strains.

Respiratory Droplets: Tiny drops released from the respiratory tract that can transmit pathogens like influenza through coughing or sneezing.