The basics:
Influenza A(H1N1)
Inside the virus often referred to as the Mexican swine flu, May 6-09
http://www.calgarysun.com/news/world...66101-sun.html
A/H1N1 IS A MIX OF FOUR DIFFERENT FLU STRAINS
- North American swine flu
- North American avian flu
- Human A/H1N1 flu
- A swine flu strain found in Asia and Europe
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A - Virus type: Of the three types (A, B and C), A and B are the most common causes of epidemics.
H - Hemagglutinin (HA protein): Enables virus to attach to receptor of host cell.
1 - Indicates a specific type of the H or N protein.
N- Neuraminidase (NA protein): Helps release new virus from host.
1 - [??]
CHANGE FOR THE WORSE
- When a virus mixes with other viruses, changes sometimes occur to the antigens.
- A minor change - or drift - results in a new viral strain often not blocked by the immune system.
- A major change - or shift - results in a new virus to which there is no immunity.
LIFE CYCLE OF A VIRUS
1. Virus attaches to a host cell and is taken in.
2. Virus RNA is released and enters the nucleus.
3. The virus RNA uses the cell to copy the virus' genetic material.
4. The materials join to form new copies of the virus.
5. The new viruses break free of their host -- sometimes destroying it -- to find new host cells.