Types of 'Influenza' Viruses full Details Article.

 Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs and can lead to mild to severe illness, and even death in some cases. The influenza virus belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family and is divided into three types: A, B, and C. Influenza A and B are the ones responsible for seasonal outbreaks, while influenza C usually causes mild respiratory infections and is less common.Transmission: Influenza spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.Symptoms: Common symptoms of influenza include sudden onset of fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes headaches. It's important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other respiratory viruses, which can make diagnosing influenza without testing difficult.

1. High-risk Groups: Certain groups are more vulnerable to severe complications if they contract the flu, including young children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes, heart disease), and those with weakened immune systems.

2. Vaccine: Influenza vaccines are available and recommended for the prevention of flu infections. These vaccines are typically reformulated each year to target the most prevalent strains of the virus expected to circulate in the upcoming flu season.

3. Antiviral Medications: Antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza), can be prescribed to treat influenza and may help reduce the severity and duration of the illness if taken early after symptom onset.Seasonal Variability: Influenza outbreaks typically occur in seasonal patterns, especially in temperate climates. In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually spans from late fall tothe opposite months (May to September).Mutation and Antigenic Drift: Influenza viruses are known for their ability to mutate rapidly, leading to minor changes in their surface proteins (hemagglutinin and neuraminidase), a process known as antigenic drift. This allows the virus to evade immunity acquired from previous infections or vaccinations, contributing to the need for updated vaccines each year.Pandemics: Occasionally, a novel influenza A virus emerges and causes a global pandemic. The most infamous example is the 1918 H1N1 pandemic, often referred to as the Spanish flu, which resulted in millions of deaths worldwide.