All about the Influenza virus

After my morning nap from 9.30am-11.30am, I checked my email and to my surprise, I saw that there was a compulsory assessment that I had to take after reading up on an E-module from NUS school of Medicine regarding the Influenza virus. Cool beans! Even though I am pretty pissed that they are giving us this in the midst of my holidays, I am also quite interested in the topic! =] So here are some of the things you have to know about the virus..

The Influenza virus is an ancient virus that still continues to haunt mankind. In 1918, it killed anywhere between 50 and 100 million people and when autopsies were performed, the victims’ lungs were found to be blue and sodden - indicating death by drowning, apparently triggered by a massive overreaction of victims’ immune system to a new virus.

The world has become more vulnerable due to the one feature that most differentiates present day transmission scenarios from those in 1918: the advent of large-scale air travel.

In the old days, geographical distance at least provided a measure of protection as signs and symptoms had time to develop and those afflicted could be screened at border entry points. Today, with hardly an airport unreachable within 36 hours from any point on our planet, the speed - and pattern - of microbial movements has altered dramatically.

This pandemic will and can return to strike us; so much so that scientists tell us the question is not “if” but “when”? Many scientists are warning that the current H1N1 flu outbreak has all the hallmarks of a pandemic, there are others who say it may turn out to be no worse than the normal flu.

In her declaration of the present outbreak entering the phase 5 level of threat on 29 April 2009 (signaling a pandemic was imminent), WHO Director General made a reference to the fact that “it really is all of humanity that is under threat”. Was she exaggerating? Think about this and decide for yourself. For if and when the big pandemic flu finally hits us, it would be too late to realize that our complacency has not only been costly, but possibly terminal! Currently, the outbreak is in phase 6 level of threat, indicating a pandemic.

Hence, it is important to stay vigilant and informed. Some websites to stay tuned for information are: World Health Organisation (WHO), Ministry of Health (MOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Influenza virus is very 'smart' as it can mutate leading to evolution of new strains in a process known as antigenic drift. This helps the virus to evade the immune system of its host and enables it to circulate in human population.

Also, the virus is capable of antigenic shift which is a process usually resulting when viruses from different host sources (e.g. humans, pigs, birds) concurrently infect the same host and are allowed to mix. The resulting hybrid product's potential to wreck havoc depends on its virus virulence (potency or aggressiveness) and the ease of human-to-human transmission.

Human-to-human transmission occur primarily via droplet transmission or contact transmission. Droplets are produced during sneezing and can travel up to 1 metre before hitting the ground. Physical contact with an infected person through handshakes, hugging or kissing can direcly transmit the virus. Physical contact with inanimate objects that have been contaminated can indirectly transmit the virus too if you do not wash your hands prior to touching your nose, mouth or eyes.



It is hence important that we have social responsibility to the people around us. When we have flu-like symptoms, we should put on a mask, visit a GP and avoid crowded places. Every single person is important in combating the Influenza pandemic.

Also, to protect yourself from contamination, you should wash your hands not just frequently but thoroughly. Avoid touching your face unnecessarily and avoid touching surfaces that other people may have contaminated, such as escalator handles, door handles. If you are unable to avoid touching them, wash your hands thoroughly as soon as you can, and remember not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth. It is also recommended to avoid crowded places if you can help it and to keep rooms when ventilated.

All information cited are from the National University of Singapore's Department of Epidemiology and Public Health in collaboration with Centre for Instructional Technology.