Influenza A (H1N1) Rapid Test

For in vitro diagnostic use only. For professional use only.

Influenza A SUMMARY

Influenza (commonly known as `flu`) is a highly contagious, acute viral infection of the respiratory tract. It is a communicable disease that is easily transmitted through the coughing and sneezing of aerosolized droplets containing live virus. Influenza outbreaks occur each year during the autumn and winter months. There are three types of influenza viruses: A, B, and C. Only influenza A viruses are further classified by subtype on the basis of the two main surface glycoproteins hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Influenza A subtypes and B viruses are further classified by strains.

Humans can be infected with influenza types A, B, and C viruses. Subtypes of influenza A that are currently circulating among people worldwide include H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2 viruses. Influenza B viruses can cause morbidity and mortality among humans, but in general are associated with less severe epidemics than influenza A viruses. Although influenza type B viruses can cause human epidemics, they have not caused pandemics. Influenza type C viruses cause mild illness in humans and do not cause epidemics or pandemics.