Understanding Influenza

What does the term 'influenza' originally mean?

• A type of virus

• A seasonal illness

• Influence

• A respiratory condition

Which influenza types are most relevant to humans annually?

• Influenza A and D

• Influenza A and B

• Influenza C and D

• Influenza B and C

What is the primary target of influenza viruses in the human body?

• Muscle cells

• Nerve cells

• Respiratory epithelial cells

• Blood cells

Why is it difficult to develop strong immunity against influenza?

• The virus only affects animals

• The virus mutates rapidly

• The virus hides in the bloodstream

• The virus is too large

What is a key characteristic of influenza viruses that aids their survival?

• Slow replication

• Rapid mutation

• Consistent size

• Stable genetic structure

How often do researchers develop new influenza vaccines?

• Every century

• Every month

• Every year

• Every decade

What is the main challenge in creating effective influenza vaccines?

• Lack of funding

• Rapid virus mutation

• Limited research

• Vaccine side effects

What happens approximately every three decades with influenza?

• The virus becomes extinct

• A pandemic occurs

• A new vaccine is developed

• The virus stops mutating

What is the ultimate goal of current influenza research?

• To stop all mutations

• To make the virus beneficial

• To develop a universal vaccine

• To eliminate all viruses

Why is it important to get a flu shot every year?

• To protect against rapidly mutating viruses

• To support pharmaceutical companies

• To prevent all diseases

• To avoid all respiratory infections