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Definitions
A list of terms related to Bird flu.
Healthcare poses a complex challenge for developing countries, interweaving problems of science, health and development.
H
H1N1
The influenza A virus that triggered the 1918 flu pandemic, also known as 'Spanish flu'. H1 refers to the type of haemagglutinin protein the virus carries, while N1 describes its neuraminidase protein.
H1N1
The influenza A virus that triggered the 1918 flu pandemic, also known as 'Spanish flu'. H1 refers to the type of haemagglutinin protein the virus carries, while N1 describes its neuraminidase protein.
H2N2
The virus that caused the 1957 influenza pandemic, often called the 'Asian influenza pandemic'. H2N2 went on to cause annual flu epidemics until 1968, when it vanished after the emergence of the H3N2 virus. As a result, people born after 1968 are expected to have limited or no immunity to H2N2. H2 refers to the type of haemagglutinin protein the virus carries, while N2 describes its neuraminidase protein.
H3N2
The virus that caused the 1968 influenza pandemic called 'Hong Kong influenza'. The H3N2 virus still circulates, causing seasonal flu. H3 refers to the type of haemagglutinin protein the virus carries, while N2 describes its neuraminidase protein.
H5
Refers to the type of haemagglutinin (or 'HA') protein carried by the H5N1 avian flu virus. Together with the neuraminidase protein, the type of HA protein on a virus helps scientists identify which virus they are dealing with.
H5
Refers to the type of haemagglutinin (or 'HA') protein carried by the H5N1 avian flu virus. Together with the neuraminidase protein, the type of HA protein on a virus helps scientists identify which virus they are dealing with.
H5N1
An influenza A virus that first emerged in people in China in 1997 and has since become endemic in Asia. At the time of writing (May 2006), the virus had spread to Africa, Europe and the Middle East. The H5N1 virus spreads easily between birds. It rarely infects humans, but kills about half the people it does infect.
HA
See haemagglutinin.
Haemagglutinin
One of three proteins that sticks out from the shell of influenza viruses, the other two being neuraminidase and the M2 protein. Haemagglutinin allows the virus to bind to the cells it infects.
Haemagglutinin
One of three proteins that sticks out from the shell of influenza viruses, the other two being neuraminidase and the M2 protein. Haemagglutinin allows the virus to bind to the cells it infects.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza
Refers to an avian influenza virus that is particularly apt at causing disease. H5N1 is an example of a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus.
Hong Kong influenza
A pandemic of influenza A virus that happened in 1968, was caused by the H3N2 virus and was thought to have originated in Hong Kong. The World Health Organization estimates that 1-4 million people died during this pandemic.
Hong Kong influenza
A pandemic of influenza A virus that happened in 1968, was caused by the H3N2 virus and was thought to have originated in Hong Kong. The World Health Organization estimates that 1-4 million people died during this pandemic.
HPAI
See highly pathogenic avian influenza.
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