Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have discovered how flu viruses hijack human cells. The finding could lead to new treatments for influenza-like symptoms.

The team, led by Dr. Xin Li, found that flu viruses use a protein called hemagglutinin to attach to human cells. Hemagglutinin then fuses with the cell membrane, allowing the virus to enter the cell.

Once inside the cell, the virus hijacks the cell's machinery to make more copies of itself. These copies are then released from the cell, infecting new cells and spreading the virus.

The researchers found that by blocking hemagglutinin, they could prevent flu viruses from infecting cells. This suggests that drugs that block hemagglutinin could be effective in treating influenza.

"Our findings could lead to the development of new treatments for flu," said Li. "We hope to develop drugs that can block hemagglutinin and prevent flu viruses from infecting cells."

The research was published in the journal Nature Microbiology.

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, runny nose, and cough. In severe cases, influenza can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization, and death.

The flu vaccine is the best way to prevent influenza. However, the vaccine is not always effective, and some people may not be able to get vaccinated. For those people, new treatments for influenza are urgently needed.