PRESENTATION OUTLINE
The flu is a contagious disease that is caused by the influenza virus. It spreads from one person to another through sneezing and coughing.
The flu virus enters the body through water droplets that come from sneezing and coughing. The virus attaches to a cell in the nose or the throat.
After the flu virus attaches to the cell, it enters the cell by having it's spikes (called hemagglutinin) bind with the receptors ( called sialic acid) on the outside of the cell. If they bind successfully then the flu virus enters the cell.
After the virus enters successfully, it travels to the nucleus of the cell. The nucleus is the "control center", where RNA is produced and genetic material is stored.
After the flu virus enters the nucleus, it takes over the genetic copying process in order to make flu genetic material. This genetic material is used to produce the necessary components for more virus cells.
The components of the flu virus are assembled in the cytoplasm, resulting in the creation of millions of flu virus cells. These new copies of the flu virus leave the original cell and move to other areas in order to infect other healthy cells. The original cell that was first infected dies. The flu virus repeats the process and infects the body.
The body utilizes immunity defenses in order to prevent the flu virus from infecting the body.
The innate aspect of the immune system utilizes physical barriers such as skin, mucous membranes in the nose and the mouth, antimicrobial compounds, sweat, and lysozyme in order to prevent pathogens from entering the body.
The adaptive aspect of the immune system prevents individuals from becoming sick by utilizing B cells, antibodies, and T cells. B cells are small white blood cells that create antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that detect and bind to antigens ( foreign substances). T cells utilize T cell receptors in order to recognize antigens. The receptors only recognizes antigens that are paired with MHC ( Major Histocompatibility Complex). MCH is a group of proteins located on the surface of cells. They helps the immune system differentiate between self and foreign cells.
The cell warns the body by sticking parts of the virus envelope or protein shell on it's surface. When a T cell that is traveling through the blood sees the warning, it attaches to the antigen. If the T cell receptors bind to the MCH molecule, then it gets to work. It creates more T cells that are ready to destroy the antigens. The new T cells "remember" the virus in case it shows up in the future. The T cells then kill the antigens by releasing toxic chemicals.
The flu vaccine is most commonly given in two forms: a nose spray and a shot. For the nose spray, the virus is live, meaning that manufacturers use a weakened strain of the flu. For the flu shot, the virus is killed, meaning that manufactures use inactivated flu virus. Taking the flu vaccine can prevents individuals from acquiring the flu because the body creates antibodies that will fight the virus. If the antibodies are already created, the body will be able to fight of the flu the minute the virus enters the body.
