What does hemagglutinin do in influenza?
The hemagglutinin glycoprotein of influenza virus has important functions in the initiation of infection: it mediates adsorption of the virus particles to cell surface receptors and is responsible for the subsequent uncoating of the virus by a process of fusion between viral and host membranes.
What is the natural reservoir for influenza A viruses?
The primary reservoir for influenza A viruses is wild waterfowl and other wild birds, but viruses are common in domestic poultry and swine populations as well. Influenza A viruses can also infect other animal species, such as cats, dogs, horses, ferrets, sea lions, and bats.
What color is the flu virus?
A 3D computer-generated rendering of a whole influenza (flu) virus in semi-transparent blue with a clear background. The virus’ hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) surface proteins are displayed in semi-transparent blue sticking out of the surface of the virus.
How does flu virus enter cell?
The influenza virus enters the host cell by having its hemagglutinin bind to the sialic acid found on glycoproteins or glycolipid receptors of the host. The cell then endocytoses the virus. In the acidic environment of the endosomes, the virus changes shape and fuses its envelope with the endosomal membrane.
Who gets the flu most often?
Who is most likely to be infected with influenza? The same CID study found that children are most likely to get sick from flu and that people 65 and older are least likely to get sick from influenza.
How is influenza passed?
Person to Person. People with flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away. Most experts think that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
What triggers flu?
What Causes the Flu? The flu is caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. These viruses spread when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk, sending droplets with the virus into the air and potentially into the mouths or noses of people who are nearby.
What is incubation period for flu?
The incubation period of influenza is usually two days but can range from one to four days.