Influenza (better known as “the flu”) is a common viral infection that attacks the lungs, nose, and throat. Symptoms of this virus include chills, fever, muscle soreness, and runny nose, among others. Due to the development of science worldwide, influenza is not as big of a deal as it once was, yet it is still dangerous for high-risk groups. Due to the nature of viruses, getting the annual flu shot is important to train your body to fight potential virus battles in the future.
Bacterial Infection vs Viral Infections (Virus)
Bacterial and viral infections are similar in many ways. First, they are both caused by microbes and can be transferred through respiratory and physical contact with infected people or things. But, most importantly, these infections can cause mild, moderate, or even severe diseases. Fortunately, we are at a period in time where we understand more about these infections and are able to effectively counter them. The main differences we have learned about infections are that bacterial infections are complex cells, able to reproduce and survive on their own. Generally, bacteria are harmless, with less than 1% causing diseases in people. Viruses are not as complex as bacteria and are unable to survive without a host, meaning they can only reproduce by entering a healthy cell. Although neither infection is ideal, viruses are more dangerous because they attach and attack specific cells.
Flu Shots and Antigenic Drift
As mentioned before, viral infections attack other cells. Influenza specifically infects the respiratory epithelial cells that line the upper to lower respiratory tract. There, the virus damages tissues, disturbs cellular function, and causes the production of large amounts of dead cells in the lungs. Again, all leading to the symptoms of coughing, fever, runny nose, etc. In detail, flu shots contain a deactivated or weakened version of the flu meant to train the body to recognize and have time to develop antibodies to fight the actual virus. However, as viruses are able to reproduce very quickly, they are also able to develop mutations that render the antibiotics useless against them. The antigens (surface proteins) that an infected cell expresses change according to these mutations, and new antigens may not be recognized by previously trained immune cells. To combat this, researchers predict the nature of the antigens for the next year based on decades of data. Being able to recognize the new surface proteins and attack infected cells is programmed into each year’s flu vaccine. For this exact reason, getting annual flu shots are very important.
Influenza has been around for a long time, meaning we have been able to study and counter it better over the years. As the flu is a viral infection that can reproduce quickly, new treatments are formulated every year in order to give our bodies the best fighting chance.
Citations:
Ansorge, Rick. “Bacterial vs. Viral Infections: Causes and Treatments.” WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/bacterial-and-viral-infections. Accessed 18 Sept. 2022.
“Seasonal Flu Vaccines | CDC.” CDCMinusSASstats, 25 Aug. 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/flushot.htm.
“Key Facts About Influenza (Flu) | CDC.” CDCMinusSASstats, 25 Aug. 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm.
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