What are the different types of the flu virus?

The influenza – more commonly known as just flu – is a very common disease in the United States. On average, an American adult suffers from this condition at least once every year. The greatest victims of flu are the children – who suffer from flu several times every year. The influenza derives its name from its causer, the influenza virus. This virus is of three types: Type A, Type B and Type C. Moreover, there are different strains of each virus. This is the reason why a certain person continues to suffer from the flu year after year.

Type A and Type B influenza viruses are the most common. These viruses attack people during the winter – which is loosely termed as the flu season. They are also more severe than Type C influenza virus – which only results in a mild disorder of the breathing airways.

There are many different subtypes of Type A influenza virus. These subtypes vary in the orientation of the two proteins – the neuraminidase (N) and the hemagglutinin (H) – that are present on the coating of the virus. The two most prominent subtypes of the influenza A virus are influenza A (H3N2) virus and influenza A (H1N1) virus; the latter is more commonly known as the swine flu virus. On the other hand, the Type B influenza virus has no subtypes, though it contains many strains.