Influenza virus particle color

This (Pseudocolored) negative-stained (false-colored) transmission electron micrograph (TEM) depicts the ultrastructural details of an influenza virus particle, or “virion”. A member of the taxonomic family Orthomyxoviridae, the influenza virus is a single-stranded RNA organism
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent this illness is by getting a flu vaccination each fall.
Every year in the United States, on average:
- 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu
- more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and
- about 36,000 people die from flu. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. See PHIL 10073 for a colorized version of this image.

Influenza A and B are the two types of influenza viruses that cause epidemic human disease. Influenza A viruses are further categorized into subtypes on the basis of two surface antigens: hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. Influenza B viruses are not categorized into subtypes. Since 1977, influenza A (H1N1) viruses, influenza A (H3N2) viruses, and influenza B viruses have been in global circulation. In 2001, influenza A (H1N2) viruses that probably emerged after genetic reassortment between human A (H3N2) and A (H1N1) viruses began circulating widely. Both influenza A and B viruses are further separated into groups on the basis of antigenic characteristics. New influenza virus variants result from frequent antigenic change (i.e., antigenic drift) resulting from point mutations that occur during viral replication. Influenza B viruses undergo antigenic drift less rapidly than influenza A viruses.
Deutsch: Ein behülltes Virus aus der Gattung Influenzavirus in einer TEM-Aufnahme: Acht helikale Kapside werden von einer Virushülle umschlossen (Partikel ca. 80−120 nm im Durchmesser).
Français : Virus de la grippe en microscopie électronique.
Čeština: Virus chřipky pod elektronovým mikroskopem - na povrchu je patrná neuraminidáza a hemaglutinin.
Српски / srpski: Вирус грипа - велико увећање.