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 …showed first 75 words of 1051 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1051 total…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**