Essay On Influenza Virus

Influenza Virus The flu is one of the most common diseases in the world. The cause of it is the influenza “flu” virus. The viruses’ structure plays a big part in how it spreads. It affects systems in the body and causes them to malfunction. When the systems malfunction, it causes flu-related symptoms. The flu is often confused with the common cold, but it’s much more deadly and, in some cases, can even be fatal. The influenza virus affects the respiratory, immune, and digestive systems. The respiratory system moves oxygen from the outside environment into the body. It also removes carbon dioxide and water from the body. Respiration is different than breathing; breathing refers to the movement of air into and out of the lungs. Respiration refers to the chemical changes inside …show more content…
It’s made up of a network of cells, tissues and organs that work together to protect the body. One of the important cells in this system are leukocytes, or white blood cells. They’re stored in the thymus, spleen, and bone marrow. When antigens are detected, cells trigger B-cells to produce antibodies. T-cells destroy any antibodies that have become infected or somehow changed. All of these cells offer the body protection against disease (Nemours 1). These are the body systems the influenza virus affects. According to RapidReferenceInfluenza.com, the influenza virus is spherical and pleomorphic, ranging from 80 to 120 nanometers in diameter. According to Study.com, it’s covered in an envelope made of a lipid bilayer with spikes of glycoproteins called haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). The proteins help the virus bind with the host cell. Inside the envelope is the capsid, which is a protein shell containing genetic information. Seven or eight strands of ribonucleic acid (RNA) are tightly encapsulated and bound onto coils of ribonuclear proteins (RNPs) that wait to be released onto the host