Viruses in the News: Flu, COVID, and Beyond

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and vocabulary from the lecture on viruses, including influenza, COVID-19, antiviral treatments, and the role of viruses in research.

Influenza A

The main type of influenza virus that can cause severe disease and has multiple animal hosts.

Hemagglutinin (HA)

A surface glycoprotein on influenza virus important for binding to host cell receptors.

Neuraminidase (NA)

An enzyme that helps the influenza virus to release from host cells.

Segmented RNA virus

A virus with its genome divided into several distinct segments, such as the influenza A virus.

Genetic drift

The gradual accumulation of mutations in a virus due to the lack of proofreading by RNA polymerase.

SARS-CoV-2

The virus responsible for COVID-19, characterized by a single-stranded positive RNA genome.

Spike protein

A critical surface protein on SARS-CoV-2 that facilitates entry into host cells by binding to human ACE2 receptors.

Antiviral drugs

Medications designed to treat viral infections by inhibiting the development or replication of the virus.

Vaccination

The process of inducing immunity through exposure to a harmless form of a virus or its components, originating from Edward Jenner's work with cowpox.

Phage therapy

A treatment using bacteriophages to target and kill specific pathogenic bacteria.