What part of the body does a virus attack?

Answer 1

The Bird Flu affects the respiratory system. Respiratory Acute Syndrome is one of the common symptoms of Bird Flu. Acute respiratory disease syndrome (ARDS) is a lung condition resulting in low oxygen levels in the blood. The human body's organs, for instance, the kidneys and the brain, lack enough oxygen to survive.

Answer 2

Each different kind of virus is specialized to enter the host by attaching to one (or more) specific kinds of cells.

For example, the HIV attacks immunity cells of the human body, like CD4+ T cells, which have an important role in activating and directing the immune response from other cells of the immune system and like macrophages, which have the role of eliminating pathogens and stimulating other immune cells to take action against the pathogens. If the HIV infection spreads enough, the number of those immune cells will drop drastically, leaving the person vulnerable to other diseases. That's why if the infection isn't controlled, the person will acquire AIDS, and that's why this virus is so lethal.

As another example, the influenza viruses mostly attach to the cells of mucous tissue in the respiratory system but also in other systems with mucous tissue, such as the gastrointestinal system. These viruses typically infect us through contact with our eyes, mouth, and nose. This is also the typical mode of entry of the viruses responsible for the common cold.

Answer 3

The respiratory system is the most affected body system with Avian Flu as with all cases of influenza. However, with the Avian Flu, the eyes can also be affected with conjunctivitis, an inflammation/infection of the whites of the eyes (aka pink eye).

Answer 4

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a disease of the respiratory system. It affects the lungs, throat, and sinuses.

Answer 5

The respiratory system.

Answer 6

Your lungs