The Influenza Virus

Summary The size of the influenza virus is about 100 nanometers and there are only 13 genes. In the past decade, larger viruses have been discovered. French researchers have recently discovered a huge virus containing 2,556 genes, one thousand times the size of the influenza virus. Interestingly, the genes found matched only 6% of the known genes on Earth. Scientists discovered this virus from tobacco plants in the 19th century. The infected leaves are ground with water and passed through the filter.

In 1918, the influenza virus spread all over the world, causing a global epidemic. This epidemic is called 1918 or the Spanish flu. This is caused by an influenza A (H1N1) virus that scientists believe are mutating from influenza virus previously infected only to birds. Its evolution and change are sufficient to infect humans and spread quickly among people. Since this type of influenza virus has never been infected, it will soon infect many people.

In February 2004, avian influenza virus was detected from birds in Vietnam, concern about the emergence of new variants is increasing. Where avian influenza virus is combined with human influenza virus (in birds or humans), it is feared that the new subtypes created will be highly contagious and very deadly for humans. This subtype can cause a worldwide influenza epidemic similar to the Spanish flu or a high mortality epidemic such as the Asian cold or Hong Kong cold. In October 2005, a case of avian influenza (a deadly H5N1 strain) was discovered in Turkey. Markos Kyprianou of the European Health Committee said, "The virus found in Turkey was confirmed to be avian influenza H5N1 virus, which is directly related to viruses found in Russia, Mongolia and China." Influenza cases The possibility of virus is detected also in Croatia, Bulgaria, UK.

Although Avian Influenza A virus does not usually infect humans, rare cases of human infection by these viruses have been reported. Infected birds emit avian influenza in saliva, mucus and feces. Human infection by the avian influenza virus may occur when a sufficient amount of virus enters the human eye, nose, mouth or inhales. This may occur when the virus is in the air (such as a droplet or dust) and someone is breathing, or when touching the mouth, eyes, or nose in contact with things with the virus Yes. The rare human infection of avian influenza virus occurs most frequently after unprotected contact with infected birds or surfaces contaminated with avian influenza virus. However, some infectious diseases that have not yet produced direct contact have been found. Human diseases range from mild to severe