How Does the Influenza Virus Interact with the Human Body?
Upon infection, the influenza virus targets the respiratory system, particularly the epithelial cells of the nose, throat, and lungs. The virus utilizes its hemagglutinin protein to bind to sialic acid receptors on the host cells, facilitating its entry. Once inside, the virus hijacks the host's cellular machinery to replicate, causing cell damage and triggering an immune response.
