The devastating 1918 influenza pandemic killed an estimated 50 million people du
ID: 178250 • Letter: T
Question
The devastating 1918 influenza pandemic killed an estimated 50 million people during the 1918-19 flu season. Unusually, young people between the ages of 15-24 were greatly impacted. It is believed that a robust immune response to this particular virus caused its virulence. Which of the following immune responses is likely to have caused these devastating consequences? recruitment of an excess of eosinophils high cytokine concentrations an exaggerated complement activation antibodies produced by B cellsExplanation / Answer
The correct option is 'high cytokine concentration'. Viral infections release cytokines, which can have adverse effects. Individuals with stronger immune systems release more cytokines and are more affected by such viruses.