Spanish Flu
Introduction
In 1918, Spanish flu was known to have killed at least a third of the world’s population, causing a global pandemic (Mozes, 2020). According to historical reports, the virus killed more people than the Great War. This significant death toll is estimated to be more than the subsequent pandemics during the 20th century, which makes it essential to research critical information about the properties that contributed to its virulence. The biological properties that confer virulence to pandemic influenza viruses warrant further study as it has not been well understood. Studies report that research into such information has helped health professionals to devise workable strategies for early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of similar viruses. Therefore, further study would cause a better understanding of how the individual genes of the 1918 virus contributed to the disease process. That way, researchers can have an insight on the basis of virulence. The health workers can also evaluate the effectiveness of current, and future interventions should an event such as a 1918-like virus reemerge. For instance, better antiviral drugs can be designed. More so, critical research could shed light on the pathogenesis of modern human influenza viruses with pandemic potential. Although it may be impossible to predict the emergence of a similar pandemic with certainty in the future, many experts report the likelihood of a rise of another pandemic virus. Hence, insights into pathogenic mechanisms can contribute to the development of prophylactic and therapeutic interventions required to prepare for future pandemic viruses.
Background
There is no known record regarding where the virus originated. Nevertheless, the Spanish flu pandemic is known to have been caused by an H1N1 virus with avian origin genes. There is consistent knowledge that the enteric tracts of birds such as geese and ducks, serve as reservoirs for influenza A viruses. It is also estimated that the pandemic may have first resulted from “de novo” genetic adaptation of an existing avian virus to a new human host (Morens et al., 2010). Nevertheless, there is a need to conduct further studies regarding the mechanisms where avian influenza viruses adapt to new human hosts and infect different cell types as there exists limited information.
When one comes in contact with the influenza virus, the immune system, which is meant to protect the body from harmful toxins, is affected. This is because dramatic general immunosuppression results where the immune system’s ability to protect the body against harm is compromised. Later on, the virus can find its way into the respiratory system causing further damage. When the virus attacks the body, symptoms such as fever and chills can be experienced by the affected patient. Usually, respiratory droplets are released into the air, infecting other people nearby through inhaling. The virus can also be transferred through touching surfaces with virus residue and then touching body organs such as eyes and nose.
When Spanish flu was first realized, there were no effective drugs to contain the virus. People resulted in non-pharmaceutical interventions such as limitations of public gatherings, use of face masks, and staying in isolation. A current article by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2018) reports the development of antiviral drugs that are effective against similar H1N1 viruses. Nevertheless, scientists continue to develop new antiviral drugs as other antiviral drugs are yet to be tested against the Spanish flu.
Discussion
The immune system is made up of cells and proteins. This system entails an innate and adaptive immune system whose roles are closely related. The innate system provides a general defense against toxins. It mostly fights using natural killer cells and phagocytes. The later immune system works by generating antibodies whose role is to fight certain viruses that the body has previously come into contact with.
The physiological factor that interferes with the normal functioning of the immune system results in a particular pathogen that the body is a victim of the immune response against the pathogen. In the case of contact with a virus such as influenza, the virus attaches to epithelial cells. A few hours after the virus invades a cell, the cell bursts open and releases more viruses. The viruses attack the immune system by inhibiting the release of interferon. As a result, there occurs an inflammatory response that causes collateral damage to body tissues while at the same time aiming to destroy the pathogen. Influenza-Infected people then develop symptoms that include fever and chills resulting from the immune response (Mei, 2010). Other symptoms include headaches, muscle pain, fevers, coughs, and sneezes among others
Although the immune system is capable of warding off the virus from the lungs, the Spanish flu virus has been unique as it can make its way down the respiratory tract and onto the epithelial cells of alveoli becoming active. According to a study, the influenza virus elicits an antiviral response that specifically deals with a specific viral strain using a mechanism different from the immune response to bacterial infections (Mei, 2010). This leads to potentially uncontrolled respiratory bacterial infections. Victims are seen to die within hours or days of contracting the virus as lungs fill with fluids composed of white blood cells, cytokines, and antibodies, causing them to suffocate. A report by a certain pathologist states that upon a victim’s lung autopsy, there was toxic damage to alveolar walls and exudation of fluid and blood (Bleidbart, 2010). This can further help to point out that that the Spanish flu virus affects the respiratory system.
A recent research study reveals that there are recent antivirals and seasonal influenza vaccines that could provide some protection against the H1N1 virus. This study reveals that tests have only been done in mice. The results showed that they protected mice against the deadly virus. Nevertheless, there is a need to have these drugs tested on humans to ensure that they will effective as influenza is estimated to affect millions of people each year.
Summary
In conclusion, the Spanish flu virus is a respiratory infection that enters the human body, establishing itself in the lungs. The virus’s symptoms include headaches, muscle aches, chills, coughs, and fever, among others. The virus is known to have first occurred in 1918, where it killed a third of the world’s population, making it a global pandemic. Various research has taken place to try to realize factors such as properties that contributed to the influenza virus’s virulence so as to be well prepared against future pandemic viruses. However, there is limited information and a need for further research if the health outcomes of the recent and coming generations are to improve. Various reports highlight that an H1N1 virus has caused the Spanish Flu virus with genes of avian origin. Nonetheless, there requires a need to conduct further studies regarding the mechanisms where avian influenza viruses adapt to human hosts and infect various cell types. This is to help generate more workable interventions.
The influenza virus has been found to have a unique ability to affect the immune system of humans. According to studies, the virus is seen to attach to the epithelial cells invading cells. As a result, the cell bursts open to release more viruses that attack the immune system causing an inflammatory response that leads to tissue damage. Unlike other pathogens, the influenza virus causes dramatic general immunosuppression, which means that the immune system’s ability to protect the body against harm is compromised. The virus can find its way into the respiratory system causing further harm. Therefore, there is a need to establish potential treatments that deal with the consequences of immunosuppression. This is a condition likely to occur, causing poorer health outcomes, especially for immunocompromised patients. Also, clinicians need to offer education to patients regarding measures that reduce the threat of further infections such as resting as it minimizes the chances of exposure to opportunistic pathogens.
Also, a current research study reveals that there are recent antivirals and seasonal influenza vaccines that could provide some level of protection against the influenza virus. According to the discussion, tests were only done in mice, while the results showed that these drugs protected mice against the deadly virus. Nevertheless, there is a need to have these drugs tested on humans to ensure that they will effective as influenza is estimated to affect millions of people each year.
References
Breidbart, E. (2010). THE FORGOTTEN INFLUENZA OF 1918: WHEN A STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM BECOMES A WEAKNESS. Clinical Correlations. Retrieved from https://www.clinicalcorrelations.org/2009/09/23/the-forgotten-influenza-of-1918-when-a-strong-immune-system-becomes-a-weakness/
Centers For Disease Control And Prevention. (2018). History of 1918 Flu Pandemic. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/1918-commemoration/1918-pandemic-history.htm
Mei, J. (2010). Influenza Renders Immune System Vulnerable. Yale Scientific. Retrieved from http://www.yalescientific.org/2010/10/influenza-renders-immune-system-vulnerable/
Morens, D. M., Taubenberger, J. K., Harvey, H. A., & Memoli, M. J. (2010). The 1918 influenza pandemic: lessons for 2009 and the future. Critical care medicine, 38(4 Suppl), e10.
Mozes, A. (2020). Four Lessons From the 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic. Webmd. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20200420/four-lessons-from-the-1918-spanish-flu-pandemic#1