NATIVE INFLUENZA B ANTIGEN Antigen

Others

Native

-80°C

Influenza B, strain Hong Kong 5/72, cultured in MDCK cells. Clarified and concentrated cell culture supernatant. The antigen preparation is inactivated by gamma radiation.

Influenza is an acute infection of the respiratory tract caused by the Influenza virus, of which there are several different types. Influenza B is only known to infect humans and seals. Influenza infection in humans causes chills, fever, pharyngitis, muscle pain, headaches, coughing and weakness. The virus is transmitted through the air by coughs or sneezes or through saliva, nasal secretions, faeces and blood. Infection may occur through direct contact with infected bodily fluid or contaminated surfaces. Influenza B viruses mutate slower than Influenza A, but fast enough that lasting immunity is not possible. The slower mutation rate and limited host range makes Influenza B less like to cause pandemics than Influenza A.