What Causes the Flu Virus?

Flu Virus Types

There are actually three types of flu virus, known as A, B and C. Type A is the worst, as it is the type that causes flu pandemics every few years. Type B typically causes smaller influenza outbreaks that are usually localized. However, it can also be responsible for epidemics. The mildest flu virus is Type C and when it is contracted it only causes mild symptoms or none at all. According to MedicineNet, flu viruses are continually mutating to defeat the antibodies that a person develops after previous infections.

Flu Virus Causes

Infections by a flu virus are typically caused by airborne transmission. An inflected person sneezes or coughs in the vicinity of others, giving the flu virus the opportunity to enter their bodies when they breathe droplets expelled by the carrier person. An influenza infection can also be caused by touching an object that was previously touched and infected by someone with the flu. This allows the virus to get on an uninfected person's hands. When he touches his eyes, nose, or mouth, it enters his body and he can become ill with typical symptoms like a headache, chills, a fever, sore throat, coughing, congestion and an aching body. Adults over age 50 are at a greater risk for contracting the flu, as are those with fragile immune systems.

Flu Virus Prevention

An annual vaccination can protect people against many types of flu by giving them resistance to the virus. Even though the flu virus rarely causes fatalities, people who are at a higher risk should consider getting a flu shot. This includes anyone over 65, people with suppressed immune systems, or those who suffer from chronic illnesses such as diabetes or kidney, heart and lung problems. The vaccination has to be repeated every year due to the flu virus's ability to mutate. Each year's shot offers specific protection against the latest mutation.

Resources

• Flu virus information