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Influenza-its Symptoms and Causes
By David Chandler
Know more about Influenza
Influenza better known as the "flu" is an infection of the
respiratory tract that can affect millions of people. The influenza
virus can be spread from person to person through coughing and
sneezing of an infected individual.
Statistics show about 20,000 Americans die from influenza or
influenza related pneumonia each year. Pneumonia and influenza
are the sixth common cause of death in the United States. Elderly
(65+) make up more than 90% of the 20,000 Americans who die
from this illness each year.
A person may contract the influenza virus and not experience any
symptoms for a few days. The incubation period for the influenza
virus ranges from 1-4 days.
Is there more than one type of Influenza virus?
What is influenza?
There are three different kinds of Influenza viruses: Influenza A,
Influenza B, and Influenza C. Influenza A can attack animals and
humans, the remaining two (Influenza B and Influenza C) can only
attack humans. Influenza C causes a very mild infection and does
not provoke epidemics.
When observed through an electron microscope, influenza viruses
are figured like filaments or spheres. Immunity to one strain of the
influenza virus will not protect you against newly born strains of
the virus, which has undergone minor changes or mutations.
The Influenza B and Influenza C virus may infect only human
beings while Influenza A may infect several different types of
animals. Influenza A virus can sicken many various types of
animals, including humans, aquatic mammals, birds, horses, swine,
and others.
At times when two different strains of viruses combine in humans
or animals, they result in a new unique strain of virus with more
immunity. The modern 2004 Influenza Vaccine is made of three
strains, which include two strains of influenza A and one strain of
influenza B.
About the Author
For more information, visit http://www.fluinfocenter.com
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/9417.html
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