What Is the Meaning of H1N1?

The h1n1 meaning can explain a lot about what type of virus h1n1 really is including how it mutates, the h1n1 virus structure and how it spreads throughout the body. Those who are susceptible to h1n1 (which is pretty much everyone) would benefit from understanding the true h1n1 meaning.

H1n1 is a type A influenza virus and these types of flu viruses are typically the type that produces the most severe symptoms and are commonly the sources of epidemics. The 1918 flu pandemic was caused by a type A influenza virus.

The letters h and n in the h1n1 virus name refer to glycoprotein “spikes” that are embedded into the cell membrane of the h1n1 virus structure. “H” refers to Hemagglutinin and “N” refers to Neuraminidase. Each type of spike has different properties and both attribute to virus’ ability to infect cells.

The Hemagglutinin spike is responsible for the adhesion of the virus to cell walls and allows the virus to gain entry into a cell so it can then be replicated. Hemmagglutinin causes red blood cells to clump together, which is a characteristic of one who has been infected with h1n1. Neuraminidase acts as an enzyme that is responsible for allowing the virus to burst out of a human cell once it has been replicated and is ready to infect other cells. Tamiflu, an antiviral medication that is given to those infected with the swine flu, alters neuraminidase so the virus is not able to infect other cells, thus preventing the spread of the virus.

As you can see, understanding the true h1n1 meaning can help those susceptible to h1n1 truly understand how the swine flu replicates and infects other cells in the body.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.