Influenza A Virus
Full Form of IAV
What is IAV?
Influenza A Virus (IAV) is a highly contagious respiratory pathogen responsible for seasonal flu epidemics and occasional pandemics. It belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family and has a segmented single-stranded RNA genome. IAV is classified into subtypes based on surface proteins hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N), with common strains like H1N1 and H3N2 causing significant outbreaks in India. The virus is transmitted via respiratory droplets and direct contact, leading to symptoms such as fever, cough, and body aches. In India, IAV is a major public health concern, with the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) monitoring cases and informing vaccine composition. Annual vaccination and antiviral drugs like oseltamivir are key preventive and therapeutic measures. Understanding IAV is critical for medical students preparing for NEET, AIIMS, and PG entrance exams, as it tests virology, immune response, and epidemiology. The virus's ability to undergo antigenic drift and shift makes it a persistent challenge for global health systems.
IAV का फुल फॉर्म
इन्फ्लूएंजा ए वायरस
Example
The government issued a health advisory after a spike in IAV cases in Delhi during the winter season.