Question: How does the flu attack the human immune system?

Helena Mylise Sorensen answered on 11 Mar 2021:

When a respiratory virus such as SARS-CoV-2 (corona-virus) or the common flu enters the body it will attach it-self in your respiratory system (like your lungs, nose, airways and throat). It will then inject itself into your own cells and immediately starts the first line of defense from you immune system: cells called cytokines and chemokines are released and rush to fight off the virus. This increased immune response leads to inflammation, and you will start to feel sick. The chemokines are at the same time working to create another type of cell called T-cells. T-cells find the virus and tries to identify what is special about it and then creates a unique molecule on their surface that can find find and destroy similar looking intruders (viruses). While all of this is happening, the virus is still replicating itself, and so more and more T-cells are also produced, which can further cause inflammation and swelling. It is also due to your immune-system that you can get fever and shivers. But not to worry, this is all to help you, and it means that your body is working actively to fight off the virus! Best thing to do when you start feeling systems of a flu, is to follow the guidelines and to stay at home in bed, and just let your body do all the fighting for you!