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Influenza

Influenza A virus (H1N1/H3N2)

Hemagglutinin (…Neuraminidase (…Lipid EnvelopeM1 Matrix Prote…M2 Ion ChannelRNA Segments (8…

Description

The influenza virus causes seasonal flu epidemics. Its segmented genome allows 'antigenic shift' — when two different flu strains co-infect a cell and swap segments, creating entirely new strains (like H1N1 in 2009). This is why we need new flu vaccines every year.

TypeOrthomyxovirus

ShapeSpherical/filamentous with surface spikes

Size80–120 nm

GenomeEight segments of negative-sense single-stranded RNA

Discovered1933

Mortality~0.1% seasonal; up to 2.5% pandemic strains

Discovery

Discovered in 1933 by Wilson Smith, Christopher Andrewes & Patrick Laidlaw (UK)

Transmission

Respiratory droplets, airborne transmission, contact with contaminated surfaces

Symptoms

High feverBody achesHeadacheSevere fatigueDry coughSore throatRunny nose

💊 Treatment / Medicine

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), Zanamivir (Relenza), Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), supportive care

🛡️ Prevention

Annual flu vaccine (inactivated or live attenuated), hand washing, avoiding sick contacts

💡

The 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic killed more people (50-100 million) than World War I — making it the deadliest pandemic in recorded history!

Structural Components

Hemagglutinin (HA)

Surface spike protein binding to sialic acid on host cells — the 'H' in H1N1

Neuraminidase (NA)

Surface enzyme that releases new viruses from host cells — the 'N' in H1N1

Lipid Envelope

Host-derived lipid bilayer studded with HA and NA proteins

M1 Matrix Protein

Inner protein layer providing structural support

M2 Ion Channel

Proton channel essential for viral uncoating inside the cell

RNA Segments (8)

Eight separate RNA segments encoding 11+ proteins — enables genetic reassortment

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