The Influenza

The Influenza virus is a single molecule composed of milions of individual atoms. Although bacteria can be considered a type of plant, secreting poisonous substances into the body of the organism they attack, viruses, like the influenza virus, are living organisms themselves. We may consider them regular chemical molecules since they have strictly defined atomic structure; but on the other hand, we must also consider them as being alive since they are able to multiply in unlimited quantities.

An attack brought on by presence of influenza virus in the body produces a temporary immunity, but, unfortunately, the protection is against only type of virus that caused the influenza. Because the disease can be produced by anyone of three types, referred to a, b, or c, and many strains within each type, immunity to one will not prevent infection by another type or strain.