Influenza Virus: Therapeutics and Vaccines

Influenza viruses are the viruses that cause influenza. These viruses can be categorized into four types: A, B, C and D. Influenza A and B viruses cause seasonal epidemics of flu and influenza A viruses are the only viruses that cause pandemics of flu disease. Influenza A pandemic occurs when a very different strain of influenza A virus emerges and has the ability to infect people and spreads rapidly between people. Influenza C virus infections do not cause human flu epidemics and cause mild illness. Influenza D viruses usually affect cattle. There are two proteins present on the surface of influenza A virus, namely, hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) . There are 18 different subtypes of hemagglutinin and 11 different subtypes of neuraminidase. This book provides comprehensive insights into the field of influenza virus. It is a valuable compilation of topics, ranging from therapeutics to vaccines of influenza virus. Those with an interest in this field would find this book helpful.