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Flu Virus Characteristics

The flu (influenza) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. There are four common types of the flu: seasonal, pandemic, avian and swine. Seasonal flu is the most common virus among humans and begins to spread in early fall. Its spread can create an epidemic, making it easier for people to contract the virus. It is treatable, and most people affected by the virus recover. However, it could result in death.

  1. Virus Characteristics

    • The virus cell is typically circle-shaped but can also form in the shape of a rectangle. Each cell contains ribonucleic acid (RNA) on the inside and has spikes on its outer layer for protection. The spikes, which are protein based, are either hemagglutinin or neuraminidase. Hemagglutinin spikes allow the virus to attach to a cell to begin the infection process, and the neuraminidase spikes act as a transportation method for the virus cells.

    Virus Types

    • There are three main types of flu viruses. Type A is the most dangerous of the viruses and is found in animals and humans. The type A virus can transform itself to create subtypes. Type B virus is found mostly in people, and Type C is found in both humans and animals but is a milder virus than type A and less likely to create a pandemic outbreak.

    Virus Symptoms

    • There are several flu symptoms to watch for to help determine if a person has the flu. A high fever, body aches, tiredness and headache are some flu symptoms. Coughing, sore throat and a runny nose may also be an indication that someone has the flu. A health care provider can provide a proper diagnosis.

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