Unlock the Secret to Outsmarting Shape-Shifting Viruses
Please note that Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue from some items via the links provided. The number of flu cases in the US is currently skyrocketing. While cold and flu season always hits hard, this year seems particularly severe. Recent research suggests that a common strain of flu has become more adept at surviving and infecting people.
A study published in February in the journal Nature Microbiology revealed that influenza A viruses can alter their shape to remain infectious and linger longer, leading to an increase in flu cases. The research showed that these viral particles can adjust their shape to either spherical or filamentous forms based on environmental conditions, a capability previously unknown. This adaptation may explain how the flu A virus can persist in populations and overcome existing immunity.
Meet the experts: Dr. Thomas Russo, a professor and chief of infectious diseases at the University at Buffalo in New York, and Dr. Amesh A. Adalja, an infectious disease expert at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.
Key Findings of the Study
The study examined how influenza A particles respond to various environmental conditions in a laboratory setting. Researchers observed that the particles could alter their shape to increase their ability to infect cells. This shape-shifting ability, not previously observed, allows the virus to remain infectious and evade existing immunity.
How Does a Virus Become More Infectious?
In the case of flu A viruses, mutations enable them to survive longer, increasing the likelihood of infection. Dr. Thomas Russo explains that genetic changes allow the virus to quickly alter its shape for survival advantages. While viruses commonly mutate to enhance infectivity, this specific shape-shifting behavior in the flu virus is a new discovery.
Distinguishing Between Flu A and Flu B
There are four flu strains (A, B, C, and D), but A and B are the most prevalent in humans and primarily responsible for seasonal flu outbreaks. Flu A can infect both humans and animals, while flu B mainly affects humans. There are numerous subtype combinations of flu A, whereas flu B is categorized into two lineages (B/Yamagata and B/Victoria). Notably, B/Yamagata strains have not been detected since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving only B/Victoria in circulation.
Overall, flu A viruses typically cause more severe illness compared to flu B. While both strains can be fatal, flu A is known for causing more intense disease. Additionally, flu A has the potential to trigger pandemics, unlike flu B.
Should I Be Concerned?
Although the recent study results may raise concerns, Dr. Russo emphasizes that the flu virus has not fundamentally changed overnight. The ability of the virus to adapt to its environment has been a longstanding phenomenon.
“Gate,” he says. Still, there’s a lot of flu virus flying around out there right now, and Dr. Russo says it’s important to do what you can to lower the odds you’ll contract it.
How can I protect myself? You’ve heard this before, but doctors stress that getting the flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself. While being vaccinated against the flu isn’t a guarantee that you won’t get infected, it can still lower the odds you’ll get seriously ill from the virus. Also, make sure to wash your hands often, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
If you’re considered high risk for serious complications of the flu (or you have something coming up that you don’t want to be sick for), Dr. Adalja says it’s also worth masking up in crowded indoor settings, too.
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