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The scientific names for the virus strains that cause the flu are derived from the proteins on the virus capsid (coat), and usually some indication of the location from which the virus strain was first obtained or a type of known virus to which the new strain is similar, e.g., "Perth-like".
In the naming convention of viruses, the protein classifications become part of the name as in H1N1; H for the haemagglutinin and N for the neuraminidase. There are different subtypes of viruses using the H and N nomenclature, for example the H5N1 subtype is the Avian (Bird) Flu and H1N1 subtype is the Swine Flu.
The common names usually are based upon where the virus was first discovered, e.g., The Hong Kong Flu, Fujian Flu, etc. or in what animal the virus is endemic, e.g., Swine Flu, Bird Flu, Horse Flu, etc.
See the related question for more information on the naming of flu viruses.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoThe virus originated as a disease in birds only, but now can also infect humans making direct contact with birds carrying the virus.
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoIt just is. Some Infectious Diseases are caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites, or, as in the case of influenza infections, viruses.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoflu is short for influenza
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What types of flu create the Swine Flu?
A mixture of the standard Human Flu, Bird Flu and Pig Flu. This creates a new strain of flu called swine flu (Influenza A H1 N1).
Why did the fireplace call the doctor?
A fireplace has something called a flu. So the answer is because it has the flu! :)
What is the french word for flu?
The French word for flu, or influenza is Grippe.
Why is swine flu not called swine flu in Israel?
H1N1/09 pandemic swine flu is called by many different names in different places. See the related questions below for more information.
Does the current Novel H1N1 Swine Flu contain elements of avian flu?
Yes. It does contain genetic material of Avian Flu in addition to three types of swine flu and also human flu viruses. (Avian flu is also called "Bird Flu"). When a virus mutates like this one did in pigs with five different genomes in the virus, it is called a quintuple reassortant (also known as reassortment) virus.The three types of swine flu genetic material in the A-H1N1/09 pandemic flu are American swine flu, Asian swine flu, and European swine flu.
What disease in shorthand is called flu?
Influenza
Was there a bird flu going around?
There was a disease that was affecting humans called 'bird flu' that caused a scare a few years ago but is now extinct. it was called bird flu because it was mainly affecting birds
What is the name of the microbes that cause swine flu?
The initial outbreak was called the "H1N1 influenza", or "Swine Flu"
What is an immunization commonly known as a flu shot given to prevent?
A flu shot will prevent the type of influenza virus or viruses that have been used to make the vaccine. A,nd it may sometimes protect against a different, but very similar, strain.
How did Mexico get the spine flew?
It's called Swine flu and here: http://lmgtfy.com/?q=where+is+swine+flu+from
What is Swine Flu called in Afrikaans?
Vark griep
Why is your aunt crapping her pants?
IT IS CALLED THE FLU A** HOLE
