influenza

Influenza: Types A and B Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious disease caused by a virus infecting the reparatory tract. Influenza viruses are divided into three types, designated as A, B, and C. Influenza type C usually only causes either very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. Types A and B, however, are responsible for epidemics of respiratory illnesses that can result in hospitalization, or even death. (6) Influenza is constantly changing …

…now the antiviral medication amantadine is most useful in certain situations, such as outbreaks of influenza in nursing homes. This medication is not effective against the influenza B virus. So, a new class of antiviral medications is able to inhibit both influenza A and B. These neuraminidase inhibitors, like zanamivir (Relenza), has recently been given a Notice of Compliance with Conditions, allowing it to be sold in Canada for the treatment of influenza. (5) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**