Influenza is a viral related disease that primarily affects the respiratory tract or area. It is more commonly know as the “flu” and is very different from the common cold. It is riskier to develop influenza as opposed to the common cold. This is because although contagious the common cold is self limited; influenza is not and is more severe.
Influenza is caused by a virus. These viruses are however further divided into three types and are assigned the letters A, B and C. The most common of these three types of flu viruses are types A and B. These two strains of the influenza virus are to blame for causing outbreaks of respiratory infection that are recurrent especially during the cold season. Types A and B are therefore usually related with amplified rates of hospitalization and mortality. The influenza type C virus on the other hand will either result in very placid respiratory infection or at certain times will not exhibit any signs of illness at all. This consequentially means that the type C flu virus does not result in a major influenza epidemic, thus eliminating the health impact that is linked with types A and B. Therefore primary focus is often limited to these.
Ill woman on bed suffering form cold
Influenza viruses (types A and B) keep modifying their genetic makeup and structure to adapt to the conditions and circumstances in the environment. This means that mutations are an accepted occurrence in the RNA structure of these particular viruses. What this means is that the virus is thus able to attack the host’s immune system and make them susceptible to ever changing forms of infection throughout existence. This is simply because the antibodies that were developed by the host’s immune system to fight off the initial flu attack will not be able to fight the mutated variety as its genetic makeup is essentially different. The best the antibody can probably offer partial protection against reinfection.
Influenza type A is further divided into varieties that are based on disparities in the two viral proteins that manifest on their surface referred to as hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). The H subtype is further divided into sixteen known strains while subtype N has nine strains. The most interesting fact is that these protein types will manifest in varying combinations and are spread by saliva and mucous droplets when an infected person for instance; spits, coughs, sneezes or laughs.