Influenza
By Charlotte Heuschkel
Causes:
- The virus is what causes the symptoms itself
- Types A, B and C
- A and B- seasonal outbreaks
- A: found in many animals, horse, ducks pigs, and chickens
- B: Humans only
- Primarily airborne: coughing, sneezing, etc.
Structure of the Virus:
- Spherical
- Haemagglutinin (HA) and Neuraminidaise (NA) are glycoproteins (the mushroom and rod shapes coming out of the virus)
- Lipid membrane protecting the inside of the virus
- M1 and M2 proteins
- Ribonucleoprotein (RNP)
- RNA
- Nucleoprotein
- Polymerase
Haemagglutinin (HA) & Neuraminidase (NA): Structure of the Virus
- Single polypeptide chain
- Approx. 560 amino acid residues
- Binds the virus to the surface of a cell
- Has enzymatic activity
- Releases the new virus particles to the effected cells
- Drugs made for the flu target this because it slows down the spreading of the virus
Symptoms:
- A fever/chills
- Cough and sore throat
- Stuffy/runny nose
- Headaches
- Body aches
- Fatigue
Treatment:
- Antibiotics
- Over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms
- Rest
- Drink fluids
- Cough drops/medicine for sore throat
- Cool damp washcloth for fever
- Fever/inflammation reducers
Prevention:
- Wash your hands
- Stay away from sick people/from people when you're sick
- Eat healthy to maintain your immune system
- Cover your mouth/nose when you cough or sneeze
- Flu shot
Outbreak Statistics:
- An estimated 50 thousand people died
Hong Kong Flu Virus (Spread to America): 1968-1969
- The mildest flu epidemic in history as of that time
Swine Flu: 2009-2010
- 48 of the 50 states in America were effected by this virus
Risk Factors: DONE CITED
- Age: younger children and older people
- Pregnancy
- Chronic medical conditions
Citations:
"Flu Attack! How A Virus Invades Your Body." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2015.
"Flu Symptoms & Severity." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13 Aug. 2014. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.
"Influenza." : Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treating the Flu. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.
"Influenza Hemagglutinin (HA) Protein Function." Influenza. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2015.
"Pandemic Flu History." Pandemic Flu History. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2015.
"Pix For Flu Virus Under Electron Microscope." Pix For Flu Virus Under Electron Microscope. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.
"People at High Risk of Developing Flu–Related Complications." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 08 Jan. 2015. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.
"Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 28 Aug. 2014. Web. 18 Apr. 2015.
"Treatment." For the Flu. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.
"What to Do When You've Got the Flu." Kelowna Now. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.