The influenza A virus is divided into subtypes, such as H1N1. The letters H and N refer to hemagglutinin and Neuraminidase. Hemagglutinin and neuraminidase are antigens, proteins that provoke an immune response in the human body.
There are 16 known hemagglutinin subtypes for influenza A (H1 to H16) and 9 known neuraminidase subtypes (N1 to N9). Each of these subtypes is vulnerable to a similar type of antibody.
There are three hemagglutinin subtypes that are known to attack human cells: H1, H2, and H3. These three subtypes bind with cells in the human respiratory tract. Other hemagglutinin subtypes target different mammals or birds. H5, for example, attacks the digestive tracts of birds. Of the nine neuraminidase subtypes, N1 and N2 are most commonly found in humans.
Attack of H and N:- Each viral particle is covered with hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. Hemagglutinin binds to the targeted host cell and injects the virus’s genetic material into it. After the virus has reproduced inside the host cell, neuraminidase releases the offspring. The host cell then dies
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