King of the Viruses - What Influenza Does to the Body

Explore the intricacies of the influenza virus in this comprehensive 16-minute video from the Institute of Human Anatomy. Delve into the four main types of influenza, their methods of spreading and infecting humans, and the rapid mutation process that makes this virus so challenging to combat. Learn about the symptoms, potential complications like pneumonia, and available treatment options. Understand how flu medications work and how to maximize their effectiveness. Discover preventative measures to minimize flu risk and gain insights into the effectiveness of flu vaccines to make informed decisions about vaccination. This in-depth exploration covers everything from the basics of viral structure to the complex process of antigenic shift, providing a thorough understanding of why influenza is often considered the "King of the Viruses."

0:00 - Intro
1:41 - Defining the Influenza Virus
2:05 - The Four Main Types of Influenza A, B, C, D
2:55 - How Influenza Spreads and Infects Humans
3:52 - H-Subtypes and N-Subtypes: How They Change the Virus
4:24 - How Influenza Gets Inside Your Cells
7:14 - How Influenza Mutates So Quickly
8:53 - Antigenic Shift: Mixing of Viral RNA Between Humans and Animals
10:47 - Influenza Symptoms
11:56 - Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Can They Be Related to Flu?
12:17 - Serious Flu Complications Pneumonia
12:38 - Flu Treatment Options
13:04 - How Flu Medication Works
13:54 - How to Make Flu Medication Most Effective
14:22 - Preventative Measures to Minimize Flu Risk
15:01 - Flu Vaccine Effectiveness: Should You Get It?
16:11 - Final Thoughts