Influenza Research Paper

INFLUENZA

Description
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious disease (caused by influenza viruses of varying forms) that has been around for more than 2,500 years. There are three main types of the virus; types A, B and C. Once the minuscule particles of the virus are inhaled, they locate their target cells using the proteins that surround the nucleus. These contain genetic material, which then trigger the target cells to produce more virus particles. Once these cells spread through the body and into the immune system, an infected person will begin to feel the physical symptoms of the flu.

As the virus spreads through the body, it becomes present in the bodily fluids. This makes the disease very easily transmittable between

Despite this, it is approximated that 5-15% of the global population contracts the infection annually. In the case of a large flu epidemic, this percentage may rise much higher. The Hong Kong flu pandemic, as an exemplified case of influenza, was estimated to kill one million people globally between 1968 and 1969. The variety within influenza classification means that general statistics are difficult to interpret.

The Influenza disease was re-discovered by a group of prominent physicians in 1933. Many ideas have been assumed to where the influenza was first talked about. The word ‘influenza’ is translated to italian as ‘to influence’ so ideas were shared that it was discovered in Italy but there have been records dating back to 460 BC, when Hippocrates was born. Hippocrates was a greek philosopher who was the first recorded person ever to give a clear and accurate description of the influenza virus. Although, in ancient times, many agreed that the influenza virus was caused by unfavourable astrological

There are three different influenza pathogens, for each variation of the disease . Type A influenza is considered the most dangerous to humans, as it causes the most deaths, although, this disease does infect many mammalian and avian species aswell. This pathogen has the ability to make an antigenic shift, morphing into other forms of viral make up. It is thought that this pathogen has 25 different subtypes. Type B influenza almost exclusively affects humans. This disease is far safer as it does not have the ability to manipulate its viral make up so quickly. Type C influenza is exclusive to humans. It is the least dangerous to the infected subject, with the mildest symptoms. This type of influenza is thought to be of little medical threat to the human