Learn The Basics About The Influenza Virus Strain

Many people know the symptoms of the most common influenza virus strain. Many people contract the influenza virus strain each flu season, but few people know how many strains there are and the differences between each influenza virus type. This is important information that you and your family should be aware of. Everyone is susceptible to this illness, so you should be aware of all the different influenza virus strains that can be contracted.

Three Different Types Of Viruses

There are three different types of influenza: type A, type B and type C. These are the three influenza virus strains that humans can contract. The differences between the three influenza virus strains are by what carries the disease and how the particular influenza virus strain changes. Type A is the most common type that is found and carried in wild birds. Birds who carry the type A influenza virus strain rarely get sick from the virus. Domestic poultry can, however, be susceptible to contracting the flu.

On the subject of strain changes, the type A influenza virus strain is the type that finds itself in the antigenic drift category. This means that the influenza virus strain changes over a long period of time. The changes can be kept up with in the yearly flu shots that you can get from your doctor.

Type B influenza virus strain can be found in the antigenic shift change category. This is the change in the virus strain that happens much more quickly and usually happens right in the middle of the flu season and can be serious for people at risk for complications from contracting the flu. Normally, when an antigenic shift happens, there is little doctors can do to prevent it from spreading besides normal prevention from getting sick.

The best way to keep you and your family from having to deal with a new influenza virus strain is to get your annual flu shot. Even if a new strain appears and the shot does not protect you from the new strain, it will still protect you from all of the older strains. It would also be a good idea to make sure to take regular precautions such as keeping your hands over your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Wash your hands often and avoid coming into contact with someone that you know has the flu or flu-like symptoms. This way, you will be able to protect you and your family from contracting any strains of flu that may not be covered by your flu shot that year.