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Because each virus is shaped differently than the others (over simplified explanation, but basically it is the shape and proteins on the outside of the virus particles). To make you immune to the virus your body has to make antibodies in the exact shape to fit onto that antigen (virus) to make it no longer able to get into your body. Sort of like having the right key for a lock, it has to be shaped to fit that exact lock and then it can work to open the door. But that key won't open different doors with different locks. The antibodies won't work to attach to other shapes unless they are very similar.
The antibodies attach to the shape of the antigen so the antigen (virus) can not get into your cells. If the "key" is not shaped just right, then the antibodies can't attach well enough to inactivate the virus, just like keys can't open other locks than the ones for which they are made and shaped.
Many viruses, especially influenza viruses, mutate as a way to avoid having everyone become immune. Sometimes the mutations are minor and then you may have some carry-over protection from the prior exposure to the original virus. Or you may have protection from a vaccination to a very similar virus or a new mutation that is not changed too much. If the shape is close enough, your immune system will recognize it as the same and send out those previously created antibodies shaped right to attach to the virus and neutralize it.
If it is not very similar, then your body has to start all over again to build the right shaped antibodies for the new virus.
This is also why we do not yet know how to make vaccines fast enough to be in time for the mutations of the common cold viruses. Before we can finish making a vaccine for that specifically shaped cold virus, it will mutate so that our antibodies are already obsolete as soon as they are made and the immune system must again start over. In the meantime the viruses can already have made us sick and start a new mutation.
What else can I help you with?
Can a person become immune to common cold viruses?
Repeated exposure to viruses causing colds creates partial immunity.
Are you immune to Influenza after you have had it?
You are not immune to Influenza. Even getting the yearly flu vaccine is no guarantee that a person won't get the flu. You can get the flu but it won't be as bad as it could be if you hadn't received the flu vaccine.
What has the author Edwin D Kilbourne written?
Edwin D. Kilbourne has written: 'The Influenza viruses and influenza' -- subject(s): Influenza, Influenza viruses 'Influenza' -- subject(s): Influenza, Influenza viruses, Orthomyxoviridae
What are the differences between influenza A and influenza B viruses?
Influenza A and influenza B viruses are both types of the flu, but they have some key differences. Influenza A viruses can infect both humans and animals, while influenza B viruses mainly infect humans. Influenza A viruses are more likely to cause pandemics and have more subtypes, while influenza B viruses have fewer subtypes and typically cause milder illness.
Why does influenza have RNA?
Influenza is an RNA virus because its genetic material is made up of RNA. RNA viruses like influenza are able to mutate more rapidly than DNA viruses, which contributes to the virus's ability to evolve quickly and evade host immunity.
Does fungi cause influenza?
Fungi do not cause influenza. Viruses Cause influenza.
Are viruses responsible for influenza?
Yes, viruses are responsible for influenza. That's why antibiotics don't help when you have the flu.
What type of virus is influenza?
Influenzavirus A, Group v virus, Orthomyxoviridae, an RNA virus. Specifically:Order: MononegaviralesFamily: OrthomyxoviridaeGenus/Genera: Influenzavirus ASpecies/Type: Influenza A virusSee the related questions for more details.Orthomyxovididae = influenza viruses
What viruses you can only get once?
Viruses that typically confer long-lasting or lifelong immunity after infection include measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, and most strains of the influenza virus. However, some viruses, like the common cold or norovirus, can infect a person multiple times due to the presence of different strains or lack of long-lasting immunity.
What is the difference between the flu A and B viruses?
Influenza A and B viruses are both types of flu viruses that can cause similar symptoms like fever, cough, and body aches. The main difference between them is that influenza A viruses can infect both humans and animals, while influenza B viruses mainly infect humans. Additionally, influenza A viruses have different subtypes, such as H1N1 and H3N2, which can cause more severe outbreaks compared to influenza B viruses.
Where is influenza not found?
Influenza viruses are everywhere and are found any place animals or people are. There is no specific place that is totally without influenza viruses in the environment in the wild.
What is the difference between Influenza A and Influenza B viruses?
Influenza A and Influenza B viruses are both types of flu viruses that can cause similar symptoms. However, they differ in their genetic makeup and the strains they can produce. Influenza A viruses are more common and can infect a wider range of animals, including humans, birds, and pigs. They are also known to cause more severe outbreaks and pandemics. In contrast, Influenza B viruses mainly infect humans and typically cause milder illness compared to Influenza A.
