Evolution of Influenza

Introduction Viruses have been around infecting people since Hippocrates time. Today the flu is still going strong with over 70 million missed work days each year.

RNA Mutations RNA viruses, like influenza, mutate very quickly, about once a year or flu season. The number of HA and NA on viruses lipid envelope change with each mutation. The body’s immune system only recognizes viruses that have previously infected the body.

RNA Viruses vs. Us RNA viruses mutate much quicker than their host cells. Host cells don’t stand a chance against a virus that can constantly mutate. This makes it easier for the virus to attack the host cells since it can change how it enters the host cell.

Think About It… If our cells could mutate as fast as a virus what would happen? Would we look different? Would we act different? Would we develop cancers more often? Would we be able to fight off influenza? Would we get sick at all?