Types of Influenza
'Flu B has been with us for 10,000 years'. That’s the one Hippocrates knew about. Flu A, on the other hand, originates in animals and birds - Sarah Boseley
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H1N-what? understanding the different flu strains
One of the most important things for you to know is that there are four types of influenza viruses: A, B, C, and D. Influenza A and B viruses are the ones we know really well – in fact, they're the ones that cause those almost-annual seasonal epidemics in the United States. Influenza C typically causes a mild respiratory illness and doesn't typically cause epidemics. Finally, influenza D mostly affects cattle (yes, as in "moo" and other similar animals) and, at least for now, is not known to infect people...
The second most important thing for you to understand is how these viruses get their names. Influenza A viruses are all characterized based on two proteins on the outer shell…
Resources
Bless you! Meet the flu hunters trying to stop the next pandemic in its tracks
There are even two types: B, a historically human variety, and A, the animal sort, which can jump species and cause pandemics.
The A, B, and C of influenza virus
Influenza A viruses tend to garner most of the attention, but let’s not forget that there are two other virus types, B and C.
What's In A Flu Name? H's And N's Tell A Tale
What in the heck do all these H's and N's mean? H is short for hemagglutinin. And N is short for neuraminidase. More about those in just a moment.
H1N-what? understanding the different flu strains
Well, we're here to give you a full rundown of the different strains of the flu, how they get their names, and what they mean for you.
Orthomyxoviridae
Certain influenzaviruses A naturally infect humans and cause respiratory disease. Particular influenzaviruses A infect other mammalian species and a variety of avian species. Interspecies transmission, though rare, is well documented. Influenza B virus strains appear to naturally infect mainly humans and cause epidemics every few years. Influenzaviruses C cause more limited outbreaks in humans and may also infect pigs
CDC
There are four types of influenza viruses: A, B, C and D. Human influenza A and B viruses cause seasonal epidemics of disease (known as flu season) almost every winter in the United States. Influenza A viruses are the only influenza viruses known to cause flu pandemics, i.e., global epidemics of flu disease.
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