Influenza Virus

Influenza is mainly caused due to the virus called the influenza virus. Influenza Viruses are the minimum form of life, unlike bacteria it can only reproduce in the active cells that they infect. Commonly there are three types of influenza viruses, A, B and C. The Influenza virus A can infect human and animals while the influenza virus B and C infects only humans. The Influenza virus C causes a very gentle illness and does not cause epidemic.

When one views through a special microscopes called electron microscope, influenza viruses are formed like filaments or spheres. The middle or cores of the influenza virus contain inherited material called the ribose nucleic acid (RNA). Influenza viruses RNA contain all the genes essential for the virus to stay alive and reproduce inside the host cells. Every strand of influenza virus RNA is enclosed with a protein cover called the nucleoprotein. The total core of the virus is enclosed by one more layer of material, the matrix protein crust. The influenza virus may pass over from one to the other person therefore its precaution is required by using proper medication and vaccination.