INFLUENZA

VIRUS
MICROBIOLOGY FOR INFECTIOS DISEASES COURSE

SUBMITTED FOR: DR. ASA’AD RAMLAWI

SUBMITTED BY: MOHAMAD HAMZA

Lecture Outline
INTRODUCTION
ETIOLOGY
TRANSMISSION
CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS
DIAGNOSIS
COMPLICATIONS
PREVENTION
 INTRODUCTION
Influenza is a respiratory illness that spreads easily and is brought on by influenza virus infections. Three to five million

instances of severe sickness and between 250,000 and 500,000 deaths worldwide are attributed to influenza A and B

viruses each year.

The Orthomyxoviridae family of enveloped viruses, which includes the influenza A, B, C, and D viruses, has a single-

stranded negative-sense, segmented RNA genome. Every year, seasonal influenza viruses A and B infect between 5–10%

of adults and 20–30% of children. Furthermore, unexpected influenza pandemics, like the one that of 2009 or the

infamous 1918 "Spanish flu" are a constant source of worry.

 INTRODUCTION
Spherical or Tubular

80 – 120nm
8 Segments of
Single-Stranded RNA

Capsid

Lipoprotein envelop
 INTRODUCTION

8 N Subtypes
Helps in release virions from the host cell
Lipoprotein spikes
Neuraminidase (N)

Hemagglutinin (H)
Allow viral recognition
Hemagglutinating Virus + RBCs = agglutination
16 H Subtypes
 Types of Influenza Virus Strains
There are four types of influenza virus strains: A, B, C, and D.

Influenza A is the most prevalent influenza infection that can cause

mild to severe sickness in both people and animals. Influenza B is

extremely infectious and occasionally results in serious disease. It is Type D Virus

The Type D viruses mainly affect pigs and cattle and
reported that the influenza B virus can create small, localized
are not known to cause humans infection.
epidemics. Compared to influenza A, type B influenza is less

frequent throughout flu season. Type C Virus

primarily infect humans and cause illness in some animals, such as

swine. Influenza C viruses cause mild upper respiratory symptoms,

sporadic cases, and minor localized outbreaks.

Transmission
Common ways that the influenza virus spreads among people include through

coughing and sneezing. The three main ways that the virus is spread are (1)

inhaling virus-laden aerosols, (2) coming into direct touch with contaminated

things, and (3) direct contact with infected people.

It is possible for respiratory transmission via viral particle-containing aerosols

to occur during speaking, sneezing, coughing, and even normal breathing.

Viral shedding happens 24–48 hours after infection before symptoms appear.
 Clinical
Manifestations
1

 Fever

 Chills

 Body aches

 Cough, Headache

 Sore throat

 Runny or stuffy nose (congestion)

 Tiredness or feeling run down

 Diarrhea or vomiting.
 DIAGNOSIS
Numerous more precise flu tests are available; however,

they need to be carried out in specialized labs like public

health and hospital labs. These tests include

immunofluorescence assays, viral culture, and reverse

transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). For

each of these tests, the physician will need to take a swab

from the back of the throat or the inside of the nose, send it

out to be tested.
TREATMENT

Antiviral drugs

Getting plenty of rest.

Drinking fluids.

Applying heat packs.

Taking acetaminophen or NSAIDs.

Using spray or oral decongestants like phenylephrine.

Antitussives.

Expectorants.
 COMPLICATIONS

Ear infections
Neutral Tube Defects (NTDs)
Sinus Infections
Miscarriage

ARDS related to pneumonia

 PREVENTION
The best way to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccine every year. Other ways to reduce

the risk of getting the flu include:

 Wash hands often with soap and water.

 Cover nose and mouth when sneeze or cough.

 Avoid being around other people with the flu or other infectious diseases.

 Avoid touching face, eyes, nose and mouth.

 Don’t share food or eating utensils (forks, spoons, cups) with others.
 REFERENCES
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