Discussion of The Structure of The Influenza Virus and The Influenza Epidemic of 1918 essays

Discussion of The Structure of The Influenza Virus and The Influenza Epidemic of 1918 essays There are three forms of the influenza virus, A, B, and C. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the A and B forms of the virus infect millions of people each year and have been the source of flu epidemics. The influenza A form of the virus is the deadliest and is believed to be the source of the 1918, 1957 and 1968 flu epidemics. (Background: What We Know about the Flu) The CDC explains that influenza C is not thought to cause wide spread epidemics and that the flu shot does not protect against influenza C. (The Influenza (Flu) Viruses 2004) The Centers for Disease Control also reports that the Influenza A viruses are found in both animals and humans. The CDC explains that the A viruses are placed into subtypes based on proteins that are found on the surface of the virus. (The Influenza (Flu) Viruses 2004) The two proteins found on the surface of the virus are neuraminidase (NA) and hemagglutinin (HA). (The Influenza (Flu) Viruses 2004) The CDC goes on to explain that there are nine forms of the neuraminidase protein and fifteen forms of the hemagglutinin protein. (The Influenza (Flu) Viruses 2004) The CDC also reports that Influenza is spread amongst human beings through the sneezing and cough of an infected individual. Incubation time for influenza is one to four days. (Clinical Description and Diagnosis 2003) The CDC explains that adults are infectious from the day before they experience symptoms until 5 days after the onset of the virus. (Clinical Description and Diagnosis 2003) On the other hand, children are usually infectious for 10 days and can be infectious for 6 days before the onset of the virus. (Clinical Description and Diagnosis 2003) The CDC also reports that individuals that are severely immunocompromised can be infectious for months. (Clinical Description and Diagnosis 2003) The symptoms of influenza include respiratory pr...