INFLUENZAVIRUS C

Overview & Facts

Influenza virus C infection generally causes mild respiratory illness and is unlikely to cause epidemics. It belongs to a genus in the virus family Orthomyxoviridae, which includes those viruses which cause influenza and known to infect humans and pigs.

Types & Symptoms

Cold-like symptoms are associated with the virus including:

  • Fever (38-40ᵒC)
  • Dry Cough
  • Rhinorrhea (Nasal Discharge)
  • Headache
  • Muscle Pain and Achiness

This may lead to more severe infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose Influenza virus type C, several tests may be used including:

  • Virus Isolation
  • Serology – Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) is one method of serology that detects antibodies for diagnostic purposes
  • Western Blot (Immunoblot Assay) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) are two other methods used to detect proteins (or antigens) in serum.

 

TREATMENT

Flu shots are known to be the most effective and safe vaccines for influenza viruses.

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