The Two Faces of Influenza

Abstract

Influenza is often misunderstood and underestimated. Influenza is not just “a bad cold”. Mainly spread through the air by coughing and sneezing, especially in closed public places: public transport, meeting rooms, etc. An infected person can transmit the virus to others from 1-2 days before flu symptoms start, and for 5 days afterwards. Influenza virus mutations: Influenza type A viruses mutate frequently, type B viruses mutate less frequently. Mutation enables the virus to bypass the population’s acquired immunity. Both the haemagglutinin and neuramidase surface antigens mutate.