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Influenza is a flu that consists of an infection of the nose, throat and lungs, which are part of the respiratory system. Influenza is commonly called the flu, but it's not the same as stomach "flu" viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting. Most people with the flu get better on their own. But sometimes, influenza and its complications can be deadly.

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The Influenza is contagious before symptoms start

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Richard Edwin Shope (1901-1966) American physician.

Pathologist and virologist, he was the first to isolate the influenza virus, the first to vaccinate animals against influenza and the first to identify in 1933 the virus that caused the influenza pandemic in Spain of 1918-1919. How does he do it? He succeeded in isolating swine influenza A virus in 1931, which was a big step for discovering the Virus in 1933.

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Three pandemics have occurred in the last 90 years, in 1918, 1957 and 1968. Scientists predict that another pandemic will happen, although they cannot say exactly when.

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Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

Persistent dizziness, confusion, inability to arouse

Seizures

Not urinating

Severe muscle pain

Severe weakness or unsteadiness

Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen

Worsening of chronic medical conditions

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Each year, an average of 5% to 20% of the U.S. population contract the virus.

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Treatments, vaccinations and cures of the disease

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Treatments, vaccinations and cures of the disease

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Generally, you will only need to rest and drink fluids to treat the flu. But if you have a serious infection or are at increased risk for complications, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to treat the flu. These medications can shorten the illness by about a day and help prevent serious complications. Patients should monitor themselves to detect if their condition deteriorates and seek medical attention.
Influenza vaccines are vaccines that protect against the four influenza viruses, research indicates will be the most common during the upcoming season. Most flu vaccines are "shots" and are given with a needle, usually in the arm.

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One misconception is that the flu vaccine causes the flu. One variety of the flu shot does include a severely weakened form of the flu virus. It doesn’t cause real infection, but it allows your body to develop necessary antibodies.

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Influenza A viruses are divided into subtypes based on two proteins on the surface of the virus: hemagglutinin and neuraminidase.
Influenza A viruses or IAVs are contagious pathogens responsible for severe respiratory infection in humans and animals worldwide. Upon detection of IAV infection, host immune system aims to defend against and clear the viral infection. Innate immune system is comprised of physical barriers (mucus and collectins), various phagocytic cells, group of cytokines, interferons, and IFN-stimulated genes, which provide first line of defense against IAV infection. The adaptive immunity is mediated by B cells and T cells, characterized with antigen-specific memory cells, capturing and neutralizing the pathogen.

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Common Questions of Influenza answered by an expert.

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Do you have questions on... - World Health Organization (WHO) | By World Health Organization (WHO) | Do you have questions on influenza or “The flu”? Ask our expert!

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33K views, 643 likes, 49 loves, 161 comments, 276 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from World Health Organization (WHO): Do you have questions on influenza or “The flu”? Ask our expert!

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Most experts believe that influenza viruses are spread primarily through droplets produced when people with influenza cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby.
Influenza virus has a lytic cycle. The influenza virus life cycle can be divided into the following stages: entry into the host cell; entry of vRNPs into the nucleus; transcription and replication of the viral genome; export of the vRNPs from the nucleus; and assembly and budding at the host cell plasma membrane.

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(2022). Influenza (flu). MAYO CLINIC. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/symptoms-causes/syc-20351719
(2022). Fly symptoms & complications. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/symptoms.htm
(2018). Influenza (Seasonal). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)