Essential Information Regarding Flu Variants
The flu virus, a notorious culprit behind annual epidemics, undergoes two types of mutations: antigenic drift and antigenic shift. Antigenic drift, a small yet significant change in the virus, occurs each year. This mutation is responsible for the yearly adjustments made to the seasonal flu vaccine. By understanding this process, we can better appreciate the importance of getting a flu shot every year. On the other hand, antigenic shift represents a more drastic mutation, resulting in a virus that humans have never been exposed to before. This significant change is what led to the 2009 H1N1 swine flu pandemic, a novel Influenza A subtype that caused widespread illness around the world. To help combat these mutations, the World Health Organization (WHO) has established an internationally accepted naming convention for flu viruses. Each virus name includes details such as the antigenic type (A, B, C or D), geographical origin, strain number, year of collection, and for influenza A viruses, a number value for two proteins found on the virus' surface (hemagglutinin and neuraminidase). So, how can we protect ourselves during the flu season? Dr. Mossad offers some advice: in addition to getting a flu shot, practicing good hand-washing hygiene, avoiding being around other people when sick, avoiding being around people who are sick, avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep are all crucial steps to staying healthy. Each year, health organizations track flu trends worldwide to estimate which strains are likely to spread most widely. Vaccine makers then use this data to create seasonal flu shots, ensuring that the vaccine is as effective as possible in protecting us from the flu. The pandemic influenza viruses responsible for outbreaks in recent history, including the 1918/19 Spanish flu, the 1957/59 Asian flu, the 1968-70 Hong Kong flu, and the 2009/10 swine flu pandemic, were all novel Influenza A subtypes. This underscores the importance of understanding and preparing for these mutations to protect public health. The 2009 pandemic virus, for example, was assigned a distinct name: A(H1N1)pdm09, to distinguish it from the seasonal influenza A(H1N1) viruses that circulated prior to the pandemic. By understanding these naming conventions, we can better track and respond to the spread of influenza viruses. In conclusion, staying informed about antigenic drift and shift, and taking proactive measures to protect ourselves, is crucial in our fight against the flu. By getting a flu shot each year, following Dr. Mossad's advice, and staying aware of flu trends, we can help reduce the risk of severe illness from common flu strains and better prepare for potential pandemics.
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