We are more than a Petri Dish: Part 3 - Vodka Martini, Shaken, Not Stirred- Viral Antigenic Shift and Drift
One way influenza viruses change is called “antigenic drift.” These are small changes (or mutations) in the genes of viruses that can lead to changes in the surface proteins of the virus. The surface proteins of influenza viruses are “antigens,” which means they are recognized by the immune system and are capable of triggering an immune response, including production of antibodies that can block infection. The changes associated with antigenic drift happen continually over time as the virus replicates. Antigenic drift is the main reason why people can get a viral infection from a similar virus (like the flu) more than one time.
The other type of change is called “antigenic shift.” Antigenic shift is an abrupt, major change in virus, resulting in new surface proteins in the viruses that infect humans. Shift can result in a new Viral subtype in humans. One way shift can happen is when an influenza virus from an animal population gains the ability to infect humans. When shift happens, most people have little or no immunity against the new virus. Dr. Fred Clary, founder of Functional Analysis Chiropractic Technique and lifting/life coach/ gym-chalk covered philosopher asks you to consider that virus are co-adapting with its host (US!) None of these facts are in the media or spoken by our so called leaders. We should be studying the strong and healthy and follow their example.
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