Master Influenza Virus with Picmonic for Physician Assistant

This virus is an RNA virus, meaning its genetic code consists of ribonucleic acid as opposed to deoxyribonucleic acid.

Influenza is part of the Orthomyxovirus family and includes Influenzavirus A, B, and C.

This virus contains an envelope, which is an outer membrane that covers the protein capsid and helps the virus enter host cells.

Influenza virus genome consists of single stranded negative sense linear RNA. Negative-sense, 3' to 5' viral RNA genome is complementary to viral mRNA. Therefore, the genome must be converted to positive-sense RNA by an RNA polymerase before translation can occur. Viruses with negative-sense genomes must carry an RNA polymerase inside the virion in order to replicate.

The viral genome of influenza is segmented and consists of 8 segments.

The influenza virus has a helical shape as opposed to icosahedral.

Hemagglutinin is an antigenic glycoprotein found on the surface of influenza viruses. This structure is responsible for binding the virus to the cell that is infected and aids in viral entry. This protein structure is called hemagglutinin because of the ability to cause red bloods to clump.

This is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of terminal sialic acid residues from newly formed virions and plays an important role in release of virion progeny from the infected cell.

Genetic shift refers to the process by which two or more different strains of a virus undergo a reassortment of their genomes to combine and form a new subtype that has a mixture of the surface antigens. When two different strains of influenza infect the same cell simultaneously, their viral genomes can be combined. Because the human immune system has difficulty recognizing the new strain, it can be highly dangerous.

Genetic shift refers to the process by which two or more different strains of a virus undergo a reassortment of their genomes to combine and form a new subtype that has a mixture of the surface antigens. When two different strains of influenza infect the same cell simultaneously, their viral genomes can be combined. Because the human immune system has difficulty recognizing the new strain, it can be highly dangerous.

Genetic drift refers to the natural mutation over time of known strains of influenza. Unlike genetic shift, these changes are minor antigenic mutations and are not associated with worldwide pandemics.

Genetic drift refers to the natural mutation over time of known strains of influenza. Unlike genetic shift, these changes are minor antigenic mutations and are not associated with worldwide pandemics.

Reye's syndrome is a potentially fatal disease characterized by a rash, vomiting, and liver damage. The exact mechanism of disease is poorly understood but commonly associated with salicylate use in children with viral illness including influenza.

This is an acute disorder of the peripheral nervous system characterized by ascending paralysis that begins in the hands or feet and migrates towards the trunk. If the respiratory muscles are affected, it can cause life-threatening complications. Influenza is known to be a trigger for Guillain-Barre syndrome.