influenza virus
/ˌɪnflʊˈɛnzə ˈvʌɪrəs/noun
The causative agent of influenza; (in later use) specifically any orthomyxovirus of the genera Influenzavirus A, Influenzavirus B, and Influenzavirus C.
- Human influenza is caused by type A and type B influenza viruses; type A viruses also infect other mammals and birds. Type A viruses are responsible for major epidemics and pandemics of influenza, which occur after a sudden major change in the viral surface antigens haemagglutinin and neuraminidase (antigenic shift), often as a result of reassortment between avian and human or swine viruses. In both type A and type B viruses these antigens also continually undergo minor changes (antigenic drift), forming many different viral strains, and allowing them to evade the immune response of previously infected hosts.Type C influenza viruses infect humans and swine, and may cause mild respiratory illness..
Origin
Late 19th century. From influenza + virus.
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