Influenza Viruses

Also known as:  Influenzavirus

Influenza Viruses are a genus of Myxoviruses from the Myxoviridae (Orthomyxoviridae) family.

Respiratory System

 Influenza Viruses are directly responsible for Influenza infections:

 Influenza Viruses invade Cells by puncturing Cell Membranes with tiny spikes named Hemagluttinin that cover the surface of the Virus.  These Hemagluttinin are covered with an Enzyme (Viral Neuraminidase) that breaks down the Cell Membrane.

 Influenza Viruses can cause Viral Pneumonia – Influenza Viruses are the most common cause of Viral Pneumonia in adults.

Musculoskeletal System

 Prior infection by the Influenza Virus Type A has been speculated to predispose humans to Fibromyalgia at a later stage (i.e. after the initial Influenza caused by this Virus, Fibromyalgia may occur at a later date).  ^[1]

Antioxidants

 Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) may inhibit Influenza Viruses:  ^[2]

 Russian studies have demonstrated the ability of BHT to prevent Influenza from killing mice and to block Influenza Viruses replication.

Carbohydrates

 Acemannan may inhibit the replication of Influenza Viruses.  ^[3]

Immune System Chemicals

 Interferon Gamma may kill Influenza Viruses.

 Interleukin 2 (IL-2) may suppress Influenza Viruses.

Lipids

 Lauric Acid may attack the lipid membrane of Influenza Viruses: 

 Monolaurin (a Monoglyceride that contains Lauric Acid within its structure) may attack the lipid membrane of Influenza Viruses.  ^[4]

Microorganisms

 Lactobacillus casei (Shirota strain) may help to prevent infection from Influenza Viruses.  ^[5]

Minerals

 Selenium may inhibit the ability of Influenza Viruses to mutate to more virulent forms.  Selenium may also directly inhibit the replication of Influenza Viruses.  ^[6]