Essay On Influenza Virus

The Influenza virus kills about 36,000 people a year. The Influenza virus is a potentially deadly virus that attacks the respiratory system. It also leaves the human body very tired and weak. The Influenza virus mostly affects the respiratory system. The basic structure of the Influenza virus includes the Viral Envelope, Nucleoprotein (RNA), Neuraminidase (Sialidase), Hemagglutinin, and the Capsid. When the virus attacks the respiratory system, it causes fatigue, fevers, and chills. Ironically, this tiny non-living virus can have a tremendous affect on our bodies.
The Influenza virus attacks the Respiratory system, the Digestive system and the Immune system. A wide range of respiratory complications can be caused by the Influenza virus, infection of the upper respiratory tract (nasal passages, throat) and lower respiratory tract (lungs). This virus can kill the cells that line up the respiratory tract. “People with chronic lung disease are at higher risk of developing severe pneumonia” (1 CDC). It attacks the Digestive system and that causes lack of appetite.
Sinus and ear infections are examples of moderate complications from the flu, while pneumonia is a serious flu complication that can result from either influenza virus infection alone or from co-infection of the flu virus and bacteria. Other possible serious complications triggered by the flu can include inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), brain (encephalitis) or muscle (myositis, rhabdomyolysis) tissues, and multi-organ failure (for example, respiratory and kidney failure). People with chronic heart disease may experience a worsening of this condition triggered by the flu.
Although this virus is tiny, it has multiple of structures that help it survive when it attacks its host cell. The structure of the Influenza virus includes the Viral Envelope, Nucleoprotein (RNA), Neuraminidase (Sialidase), Hemagglutinin, and the Capsid. “The Viral Envelope requires its envelope from its host-cell during viral replication or release. The Nucleoprotein (RNA) encapsidates the virus genome for the purposes of RNA transcription, replication, and packaging. The Neuraminidase (Sialidase) removes receptors so the Influenza virus can release and spread the infection. The Hemagglutinin is responsible for binding the virus to the cell that is being infected. The Capsid is a protein shell that encloses the viral genome (DNA, RNA,
The influenza virus can not be seen by the naked eye but it can still affect a human body for several days and weeks.
“Three types of Influenza viruses has been covered: types A, B, and C. Type A infects humans, pigs, horses, and birds. Types B and C only infect humans and are less common and produce a milder form of infection. Type A is responsible for most cases of the disease in humans” (1 CDC). When inhaled, the virus attacks in the upper part of the respiratory system and causes symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and chills, a hacking cough and body aches. Influenza can also lead to other, more serious infections. The flu leaves an individual very tired and weak. A person with the flu may not return to normal for several days and weeks. “These signs include a high fever, chills, chest pain, and cough that produces a thick yellowish sputum (that is discharge from the throat)” (1
CDC).
Although the influenza virus can last a few days and weeks it can also be potentially a deadly virus. Something people can do to prevent getting the virus is getting the flu vaccine. A vaccine builds up an immunity in case someone gets in contact with the thing you're being vaccinated against. Some treatments after getting the Influenza virus include taking an antiviral medicine to help people get rid of the virus. Other treatments after an infection include getting plenty of bed rest, drinking lots of fluids and using a vaporizer to help make breathing easier. So the virus can be fatal if you don't treat it correctly.