Download Name_________________________________ Thompson 211

Discovery Channel : An Inside Look: Flu KEY
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A sneeze can spread at 40 mph and spread 100,000droplets of mucus!
The invader first finds refuge in Holly’s nose.
The hairs in her nose are the first line of defense
Influenza B is one of the more common viruses.
It needs to hijack a special cell in her throat.
Winding nasal passages are designed to trap invaders.
The virus cell then takes advantage of how human cells communicate with proteins and impersonates
these docking on a cell and slipping inside .
8. In just 7 hours the virus turns the cell into a virus cloning factory!
9. From a single cell in the throat 10,000 viruses are made.
10. In 2 hours it has infected 5000 cells in the body.
11. If it gets into her lungs she could become critically ill.
12. The body’s front line defense is Natural Killer cells that spray a poison onto the virus which
unfortunately destroys throat cells too.
13. Cell debris piles up in her throat.
14. The macrophages arrive for the clean up engulfing this debris.
15. While you sleep the debris is moved by cilia to keep you from choking.
16. Your sore throat is part of the battleground and your immune system has triggered symptoms that are
your body’s reaction.
17. As the macrophages work they release interleukins who then summon reinforcements.
18. This makes you feel bad and movement causes pain and hypersensitivity to slow you down and make
you rest.
19. Your brain contains a natural thermostat that is normally at 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit and that is a perfect
incubation temperature.
20. As temperature rises the viral cloning slows down and your immune system produces cells at a faster
pace.
21. Unfortunately the blood cells in your head swell giving you a headache.
22. A high fever can be a dangerous thing but a low fever is a good thing!
23. In the lymph there are T and B cells floating around and each is designed to kill a different invader.
24. Packed with dividing T cells the glands begin to swell.
25. She now has to cough to clear things out because the cilia cells have been damaged.
26. The body now starts to manufacture minute proteins called antibodies that target newborn viruses and
lock on.
27. It has taken a week in order for her to get better.
28. Memory cells are T cells that patrol your body forever and would recognize that same flu in the future.
29. Unfortunately the flu virus can mutate so your body will be unable to recognize its new disguise!
30. To avoid getting the flu get your vaccination/flu shot in the fall!