Specific Disease Studies
Human Influenza
Topic Menu
Content Contributors
Learning Objectives
What is influenza?
Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory passages causing fever, severe aching, and excessive mucous buildup, and it will often occur in epidemics.
What is the life cycle of influenza?
The virus injects its genetic material into the host's cell
The host cell machinery and genetic material are "hijacked", and are used to produce new viral particles
Lysis occurs, releasing the new virus particles
New viral particles infect other cells, repeating the cycle
What is the method of transmission?
Airborne transmission via sneezing, coughing etc.
Direct contact with infected individuals
Fomite transmission
What is the impact on the host?
A number of symptoms and signs present following infection with influenza.
Fever
Runny nose
Sore throat
Muscle pains and aches
Headache
Coughing
Exhaustion
What is influenza?
Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory passages causing fever, severe aching, and excessive mucous buildup, and it will often occur in epidemics.
What is the life cycle of influenza?
The virus injects its genetic material into the host's cell
The host cell machinery and genetic material are "hijacked", and are used to produce new viral particles
Lysis occurs, releasing the new virus particles
New viral particles infect other cells, repeating the cycle
What is the method of transmission?
Airborne transmission via sneezing, coughing etc.
Direct contact with infected individuals
Fomite transmission
What is the impact on the host?
A number of symptoms and signs present following infection with influenza.
Fever
Runny nose
Sore throat
Muscle pains and aches
Headache
Coughing
Exhaustion