Skip to main content
Back

Influenza quiz

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/15
  • What type of genome does the influenza A virus have?
    Influenza A has a single-stranded, antisense, segmented RNA genome.
  • What are the two main glycoprotein spikes on the influenza virus surface called?
    They are hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA).
  • What is the primary function of the hemagglutinin (HA) spike protein?
    Hemagglutinin helps the virus recognize and enter the host cell.
  • What role does neuraminidase (NA) play in the influenza virus life cycle?
    Neuraminidase helps the virus exit the host cell after replication.
  • How is influenza A named (e.g., H1N1)?
    It is named based on the specific types of HA and NA proteins present on its surface.
  • Which influenza types are responsible for most seasonal epidemics?
    Influenza A and B are responsible for most seasonal epidemics.
  • How does influenza primarily spread from person to person?
    It spreads via respiratory droplets and aerosols.
  • What is antigenic drift in influenza viruses?
    Antigenic drift is the process of small, gradual mutations in the virus's surface antigens, leading to new seasonal variants.
  • Why do we need a new flu vaccine every year?
    Because antigenic drift causes small changes in the virus, requiring updated vaccines to match circulating strains.
  • What is antigenic shift and why is it significant?
    Antigenic shift is a sudden, major change in the virus's genome, often creating new HA and NA combinations that can cause pandemics.
  • How can antigenic shift occur in influenza viruses?
    It can occur when two different influenza viruses infect the same animal (like a pig), allowing their segmented genomes to mix and create a novel virus.
  • What are common symptoms of influenza infection?
    Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and respiratory symptoms like cough.
  • What diagnostic methods are used to detect influenza infection?
    Rapid antigen tests and PCR are commonly used to diagnose influenza.
  • What treatments are available for influenza, especially for at-risk groups?
    Treatment includes rest and antivirals like oseltamivir, particularly for at-risk individuals.
  • What does a multivalent flu vaccine provide?
    A multivalent vaccine protects against multiple strains of influenza A and B in a single shot.