VIRUSES

 A virus is a submicroscopic infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism. It infects all life forms, from animals and plants to microorganisms, including bacteria and archaea.
                                     A virus is made up of a core of genetic material, either DNA or RNA, surrounded by a protective coat called a capsid which is made up of protein. Sometimes the capsid is surrounded by an additional spikey coat called the envelope. Viruses are capable of latching onto host cells and getting inside them.
                 H3N2 influenza virus particles, colored transmission electron micrograph (TEM). Each virus consists of a nucleocapsid (protein coat) that surrounds a core of RNA (ribonucleic acid) genetic material. Surrounding the nucleocapsid is a lipid envelope that contains the glycoprotein spikes haemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). These viruses were part of the Hong Kong Flu pandemic of 1968-1969 that killed approximately one million people worldwide. H3N2 viruses can infect birds and mammals as well as humans. They often cause more severe infections in the young and elderly than other flu strains and can lead to increases in hospitalizations and deaths.

10 easy ways to boost your health

 1. Feeling overwhelmed and got to keep going? Drink a glass of water and go for a 10-minute walk. You'll feel 100 times more refreshed on your return. 2. Instead of drinking coffee to get a caffeine-induced high try sipping ginger tea to pep you up. Add a little honey if you like. 3. Give the chocolate bar a miss and eat a banana. The chocolate bar will give you a sugar high but you'll come quickly crashing down to earth - the banana releases its energy more slowly and will keep you going for longer. 4. Sprinkle a cotton handkerchief with a few drops of peppermint oil. Sniff it whenever you need a quick lift. 5. Try some yoga stretches or even just stretching your arms high above your head for an instant lift. 6. If you generally feel tired in the afternoon, have more lean protein at lunchtime and include protein with your afternoon snack to keep your energy levels steady. 7. Take a warm (not hot) power shower to feel clean, fresh, and re-energized. 8. Reduce your social commitments so that you can catch up with sleep and get an early night a few times a week. 9. Anything hanging over you? If you have a task that you've been putting off for too long, make the effort and do it. You'll feel so much better once you do. 10. Other people often have either a boosting or draining effect on us. Think about who has an effect on your energy levels and make plans to see less of any friends or family who drain your energy and more of those who give you a lift. ZZZZZZ