H1N1 Swine Flu By: Alice Z.

As many of you know, the H1N1 swine flu has been the cause of many deaths around the world. Recently, scientists have researched this swine flu, and conclude that this virus has a killer combination. This combination is made of surface proteins called Neuraminidase and Hemagglutinin. There was also another protein in it called PB1-F2. These three proteins combined have made this swine flu a million times more virulent than an average virus.

Scientists have also discovered that these proteins prevent the human body from making an important antiviral compound called interferon. Interferon helps the body fight viruses, and could quickly cure the infection within three days after being infected. Therefore, the body isn’t able to fight this virus. In conclusion, this H1N1 swine flu is a deadly virus. That’s why we should anything we can to prevent from getting this flu.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think this swine flu is dangerous? Why or why not?

2. How do you think people can prevent from getting the H1N1 swine flu?

Link: http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/60268/title/H1N1_virus_lacks__Spanish_flu%E2%80%99s_killer_protein

~ by Student Entry on June 17, 2010.