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Influenza A virus subtype

H1N1
 Influenza A(H1N1) virus is a
subtype of influenza virus A and
the most common cause of
influenza (flu) in humans. Some
strains of H1N1 are endemic in
humans and cause a small
fraction of all influenza-like
illness and a large fraction of all
seasonal influenza.
 Influenza results from infection
with 1 of 3 basic types of influenza
virus—A, B, or C—which are classified
within the family Orthomyxoviridae.
These single-stranded RNA viruses
are structurally and biologically
similar but vary antigenically.
 The new strain was initially
described as an apparent
reassortment of at least four strains of
influenza A virus subtype H1N1,
including one strain endemic in
humans, one endemic in birds, and
 Reassortment is a process
that happens if two different types
of influenza virus infect a single
cell and it can produce a new
strain of influenza. This is because
the virus genome is split between
eight independent pieces of RNA,
which allows pieces of RNA from
different viruses to mix together
and form a novel type of virus as
new virus particles are being
 Influenza virus infection occurs
after transfer of respiratory
secretions from an infected individual
to a person who is immunologically
susceptible. If not neutralized by
secretory antibodies, the virus
invades airway and respiratory tract
cells. Once within host cells, cellular
dysfunction and degeneration occur,
along with viral replication and
release of viral progeny. Systemic
symptoms result from inflammatory
Typical symptoms of influenza begin 2-3
days after exposure to the virus.
• Influenza produces an acute febrile
respiratory illness with cough, headache,
and myalgia for 3-4 days, with symptoms
that may persist for up to 2 weeks.
• Patients may present with sudden
onset of the following:
1.High fever
2.Chills
3.Myalgia (muscle/joint pain)
4.Headache
5.Fatigue
Subsequent respiratory
symptoms include the following:

1.Sore throat/pharyngitis
2.Nasal congestion
3.Rhinitis
4.Nonproductive cough
5.Cervical lymphadenopathy
6.Conjunctivitis
• Conjunctivitis, rhinitis, and GI
tract symptoms are more common in
infants and young children than in
adults.

• In young infants, influenza may


produce a sepsislike picture with
shock; occasionally, influenza viruses
can cause croup or pneumonia.

• Similar symptoms can be seen in


close contacts or family members.

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