The Historical Precedence of Influenza Identification, Spread and Eventual Adaptation into the Population
What is Influenza
Influenza, also referred to as the flu, is a respiratory infectious disease that is caused by a negative-sense RNA virus (Orthomyxoviridae). The most common types of influenza viruses that impact the human population include Type A, Type B, and Type C. The virus strain spreads around the world in yearly outbreaks. An influenza pandemic occurs when a strain of the virus is transmitted to the human body (usually from another species) and spreads massively. This may also result in the identification of a new strain of the virus.
Examples of Influenza Pandemics (not comprehensive)
1918-1919
H1N1 Influenza A virus
1930's
Influenza B virus
1940's
Inactivated Flu vaccine
For inactivated Influenza A virus
1940's
Influenza B viruses discovered
Arrival of Mechanical ventilators
1942
Two dose Flu vaccine
Protection against Influenza A & Influenza B virus
1947
Flu epidemic
Changes in antigenic composition of influenza viruses
Rendered existing vaccines ineffective
Required to renew annually
Monitor international circulating viral strains
1957
Flu pandemic
H2N2 novel flu virus emerges
1960
1st Recommendation for annual Influenza vaccination
Over 65/very weak/immunocompromised
1960's
South Africa outbreak
Reservoir for influenza A virus (wild birds)
H3N2 new influenza virus emerges
pandemic
1970's
H1N1 swine flu
25% of US pop vaccinated
twice the level needed to block pandemic
1996
H5N1 virus avian influenza
Hong Kong
2003
SARS I epidemic
China
2007
H5N1
US Vaccine
2009
H1N1 pandemic
new influenza A virus
Mexico
2020
SARS-COV-2
COVID pandemic
China
There are many viral strains currently circulating worldwide and this does not interfere with daily living
Management of previous epidemics
Resulting consequences
Current management of COVID/SARS-COV-2
No comments:
Post a Comment