What is the primary mechanism by which the influenza virus evades the immune system?
Correct Answer: Antigenic drift
- Step 1: Understand that the immune system is the body's defense against viruses.
- Step 2: Learn that the influenza virus has proteins on its surface called antigens.
- Step 3: Know that the immune system recognizes these antigens to fight the virus.
- Step 4: Realize that the influenza virus can change its antigens over time.
- Step 5: This change is called 'antigenic drift' and happens through small mutations.
- Step 6: Because of these mutations, the immune system may not recognize the virus.
- Step 7: As a result, the influenza virus can evade the immune response and continue to infect.
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