How the Flu Virus Can Change: “Drift” and “Shift”

Antigenic Drift

-Muations in influenza viruses can lead to changes in the surface proteins of the virus: HA (hemagglutinin) and NA (neuraminidase).

-The HA and NA surface proteins are “antigens” that are recognized by the immune system and trigger an immune response, including production of antibodies that can block infection.

-The mutations happen continually over time as the virus replicates.

-Enough changes accumulate over time so the immune system doesn’t recognize new strains, requiring NEW vaccines.

Antigenic Shift

-An abrupt, major change in an influenza A virus, resulting in new HA and/or new HA and NA proteins in influenza viruses that infect humans.

-One way shift can happen is when an influenza virus from an animal population gains the ability to infect humans.

-Examples are H1N1 and Swine Flu.

Most flu shots are designed to target an influenza virus’ HA surface proteins/antigens.

=If HCQ is a broad spectrum anti-viral and anti-parasitic, why continually target individual proteins/antigens via vaccines?=

Vaccines are an outdated and inefficient modality. The continuation of outdated methods that don’t ultimately solve a problem is due to the dependency its practioners have on its profitability.

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/change.htm