Meet the Guide Editor
Message from the Editor:
I had a friend receive treatment for the Swine Flu in the 1980's. For part of a year, he suffered from the vaccination he received--being paralyzed from the neck down. This, plus the infamous Spanish Influenza triggered my interest in Influenza viruses.
Influenza Contributors

Guide to Influenza Viruses: Their Physiology & Physiognomy

Influenza viruses are small, replicating disease entities, categorized by “strains,” e.g. Influenza A, Influenza B, and Influenza C. These not only replicate but mutate as well, Influenza A doing so very rapidly, being responsible for some of the more serious illnesses, such as the Spanish Flu and the Bird Flu. Although the immune system can prevent re-infection by identical virus particles, mutations prevent recognition. Influenza viruses can be identified by their protein coat—Influenza A viruses according to hemagglutinin and neuraminidase; hence they bear designations like H1N1, etc. Viruses that can transfer from animals to humans are especially problem causing. Allow articles by your Bright Hub contributors to keep you informed.

Influenza Virus - CDC

H1N1 influenza virus

Latest Articles on Influenza
What is Antigenic Shift?

Antigenic shift is an important biological phenomenon that is of importance in studying pathogens and the diseases that they cause. Antigenic shift is mostly reported in influenza,...

 What Is a Computer Worm?

We hear that our computer security is threatened by computer viruses and computer worms. But what is a worm, exactly? How is it different from a virus or a trojan? This article...
Replication of the Influenza Virus

The influenza virus causes the seasonal flu. Replication of the influenza virus requires the translational process of host cell to create viral proteins. These proteins transcribe the...

 Flu Vaccine Effectiveness and Production Time

Why is the annual flu shot not always very effective? Why is there no swine flu vaccine available yet, and why is bird flu vaccine not being made now? Find out the factors that...
Most Popular Articles on Influenza
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    		 Zoonotic Influenza: Crossing the Species Barrier

    How could swine flu or bird flu become transmissible from human to human? Get the facts on influenza zoonosis; the spread of influenza across the species barrier....
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    		 Who Discovered the Influenza Virus?

    Influenza is an infectious disease that has probably plagued humans for thousands of years. Its symptoms were first described approximately 2,400 years ago....
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    		 What is Antigenic Shift?

    Antigenic shift is an important biological phenomenon that is of importance in studying pathogens and the diseases that they cause. Antigenic shift is mostly reported in influenza, although it could happen...
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    		 Flu Virus Genetics

    The Influenza virus is not one virus, it is actually a family of viruses that are some of the fastest-mutating viruses on the planet. Find out how the genetic material of the flu virus makes it change...
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    		 Viral Genetics: Enteroviruses

    What is an enterovirus? Discover the facts about the life cycle and genetics of this important family of viruses, the second most common in humans, and cause of many serious diseases....
More About Influenza
Why Your Flu Shot is Only Good for a Year

Why does an influenza vaccination last for only a single flu season? Discover the fascinating reason why a new flu shot is needed every year....

 Zoonotic Influenza: Crossing the Species Barrier

How could swine flu or bird flu become transmissible from human to human? Get the facts on influenza zoonosis; the spread of influenza across the species barrier....