Influenza

Influenza A
Abstract

The most important details of the article are that Influenza A is a pathogen that can cause severe
respiratory illness in humans. It is most commonly spread from an infected person through
contact with respiratory secretions, such as saliva, mucus, or blood. The virus can also be spread
through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as doorknobs, door handles, or countertops.
Symptoms of influenza A include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, and
fatigue. The virus can also lead to more severe complications, such as pneumonia, bronchitis,
and even death. Treatment for influenza A includes rest, plenty of fluids, and over-the-counter
medications to relieve symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. The best
way to prevent influenza A is to get vaccinated each year.

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Article Summary

Influenza A viruses are a type of viruses that commonly cause respiratory illness in
humans. These viruses are typically spread through the air and can cause severe respiratory
illness, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and even death. Influenza A viruses are classified into
subtypes based on their surface proteins, hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). There are 18
different H subtypes and 11 different N subtypes of influenza A viruses (Hutchinson, 2018)
The most common subtype of the influenza A virus in humans is H3N2. This subtype is
responsible for the majority of influenza A infections in humans and is typically the most severe.
Influenza A viruses are constantly changing, and new subtypes can emerge. For example, in
2009, a new subtype of influenza A virus, called H1N1, emerged and caused a global pandemic.
Several ways to prevent influenza A infection include vaccination and good hygiene
practices. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza A infection, and it is
recommended that everyone 6 months of age and older get a yearly flu vaccine. Good hygiene
practices, such as washing your hands often and avoiding close contact with sick people, can also
help prevent the spread of influenza A viruses.

Pathogen Information

The influenza A virus is a member of the Orthomyxoviridae family of viruses and is
classified as a prokaryote. It is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus with a diameter of
approximately 80 nanometers. The virus is enveloped in a lipid bilayer and contains two primary
proteins: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). There are 15 types of H proteins and 9 types
of N proteins. The H protein is responsible for the attachment of the virus to the host cell, while
the N protein aids in the release of the virus from the host cell (O’Hanlon & Shaw, 2019).

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The influenza A virus is susceptible to the antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. These
drugs work by inhibiting the activity of the viral enzyme neuraminidase. Oseltamivir is more
effective against the influenza A virus than zanamivir.
The influenza A virus can evade the immune system by constantly changing its surface
proteins. This process, known as antigenic drift, makes it difficult for the immune system to
recognize and destroy the virus. The virus is also able to infect a variety of different host cells,
including those of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.
The influenza A virus causes several diseases, including the common cold, pneumonia, and
bronchitis. The symptoms of these diseases include fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
The diagnosis of these diseases is typically made based on the symptoms. Treatment typically
involves the use of antiviral drugs and rest. Additionally, the flu can be diagnosed by various
methods, including the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, the rapid influenza diagnostic test
(RIDT), and the influenza A virus isolation by culture. Treatment for the flu typically includes
using antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir or zanamivir. The flu can be prevented by
vaccination with the influenza vaccine.

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References

Hutchinson, E. C. (2018). Influenza virus. Trends in Microbiology, 26(9), 809-810.
O’Hanlon, R., & Shaw, M. L. (2019). Baloxavir marboxil: the new influenza drug on the