There are four main types of influenza virus, and they are classified as types A, B, C, and D. Type A is the most common, and it is responsible for the seasonal flu epidemics that occur each year. Type B is less common than Type A, and it usually causes milder symptoms. Type C is very rare and usually causes mild respiratory illness. Type D viruses are the newest type of influenza virus, and they are primarily found in cattle and can cause severe respiratory illness in humans.
Type A influenza viruses are further divided into subtypes based on two proteins found on their surface – hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). There are currently 18 known subtypes of HA and 11 known subtypes of NA, which makes a total of 198 unique combinations of Type A influenza viruses.
Type B influenza viruses are also divided into subtypes, but they are based on only one protein – hemagglutinin. There are currently two known subtypes of Type B influenza virus, which makes a total of two unique combinations of Type B influenza viruses.
Type C influenza viruses are not divided into subtypes, and they are considered to be a single type.
Type D influenza viruses are also not divided into subtypes, and they are also considered to be a single type.
In summary, there are four main types of influenza – A, B, C, and D – and a total of 202 unique combinations of influenza viruses.