Covid-19 reminded us of the threat of respiratory viruses. It is not the first pandemic to be caused by a respiratory virus and it is not likely to be the last. Influenza viruses are thought to have the potential to cause pandemics in the future.
According to the World Health Organization, 2.9 lakh to 6.5 lakh deaths occur during every flu season. As such, strategies preventing and treating influenza virus infections have become a major area of research.
There are four influenza viruses—A, B, C and D. Only A, B and C infect humans. C infections in humans are infrequent and mild. A and B infections can be severe, making them a public health problem.
Influenza viruses have a single-stranded segmented RNA genome. Influenza A and B have eight genes, each encoding for a different protein essential for the virus’s ability to infect and reproduce in humans. Out of these eight proteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) are on the surface of the virus.
HA is responsible for entry of the virus into our respiratory system. After replication, the new viral particles are released from the infected cell with the help of NA. Our immune system clears the infection by making antibodies. However, these antibodies are specific to the HA or NA and will either provide only partial protection or no protection against an influenza virus with different HA or NA.
Influenza A viruses cause both pandemics and seasonal influenza virus epidemics. Influenza A viruses are categorised into subtypes based on what HA and NA they have. There are 18 distinct HAs and 11 NAs found in nature, and, theoretically, viruses with any combinations of these are possible. For example, Influenza A H1N1 has type 1 HA and type 1 NA.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 06, 2020-Ausgabe von THE WEEK.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 06, 2020-Ausgabe von THE WEEK.
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Ram temple not an issue in south
Much has been said this election season about the alleged north-south divide.
Haute and sweaty
In Mumbai, where I live and work, there is a severe heatwave going on. The highest temperature this month has been 40 degrees, sweltering and humid for the coastal city.
MOVE AWAY MARY!
In many parts of the world,unique names are becoming popular
CALL OF THE WILD
Tejas Thackeray, the younger son of former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, shares his passion for wildlife conservation and photography
CEPA and beyond
Bilateral trade between the UAE and India has grown almost 16 per cent year-on-year, touching $84.5 billion
Brash and raw
When I chanced upon Raj Narain, who humbled Indira Gandhi
Lone voice of dissent
“I am keen to invite Parakala [Prabhakar] to Mumbai… What do you think? Do you know him?” A friend asked. No, I don’t know the man. And no, it is not a good idea to invite him, unless you want to invite trouble, I replied.
Modi and the Muslim syndrome
I have long been intrigued by the prime minister’s desire to hug every passing sheikh and sultan and his contrasting contempt for the ordinary Indian Muslim.
Assam Rifles not trained to guard borders; need separate force for Manipur border
Imphal is blanketed in darkness. The sun has set a little too soon in the valley, but N. Biren Singh is yet to call it a day.
SPOTLIGHT ON THE SENTINELS
Manipur government wants the Assam Rifles replaced, but the Union home ministry is focused on upgrading infrastructure and connectivity before deciding who guards the state