The type species of the genus ALPHAINFLUENZAVIRUS that causes influenza and other diseases in humans and animals. Antigenic variation occurs frequently between strains, allowing classification into subtypes and variants. Transmission is usually by aerosol (human and most non-aquatic hosts) or waterborne (ducks). Infected birds shed the virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces.

Annotation

infection: coordinate IM with INFLUENZA, HUMAN (IM) in humans or ORTHOMYXOVIRIDAE INFECTIONS (IM) in animals other than birds; infection in birds = INFLUENZA IN BIRDS; ALPHAINFLUENZAVIRUS is also available

DUI

D009980 MeSH Browser

CUI

M0015475

Previous indexing

Orthomyxoviridae (1968-1976)

History note

1997 (1977)

Public note

1997; see ORTHOMYXOVIRUSES TYPE A 1977-1996; for ORTHOMYXOVIRUS TYPE A, HUMAN see INFLUENZA A VIRUS, HUMAN 1997-2005; for MYXOVIRUS INFLUENZAE-A HOMINIS see INFLUENZA A VIRUS 1974-2005; for ORTHOMYXOVIRUS TYPE A, AVIAN see INFLUENZA A VIRUS, AVIAN 1997-2005; for ORTHOMYXOVIRUS TYPE A, PORCINE see INFLUENZA A VIRUS, PORCINE 1995-2005