Diagram illustrating how a virus infects a host cell, replicates, and spreads, in a watercolor style.

How a Virus Works Title: “How the Flu Virus Infects the Body” • Draw a big flu virus (a circle with spikes around it). Label the spikes as “spike proteins”. • Draw the virus attaching to a human cell (a larger blob). Label the cell. • Show the virus entering the cell and releasing genetic material. • Inside the cell, draw little copies of the virus being made. • Show the new viruses bursting out of the cell and infecting others. Labels to include: • Virus • Spike Proteins • Host Cell • Viral Genetic Material • Virus Copies ⸻ Part 2: How a Vaccine Works Title: “How the Flu Vaccine Protects You” • Draw a needle labeled “Flu Vaccine” injecting a small piece of the virus into the body (just a spike or weakened virus). • Next to it, draw a white blood cell or antibody learning to recognize it. • Then draw a second image where the real virus shows up later, and the immune system is ready to attack it immediately. Labels to include: • Flu Vaccine • Immune System • Antibodies • Virus Recognized and Destroyed ⸻ Part 3: Why We Need a New One Each Year Title: “Why a New Vaccine Every Year?” • Draw three viruses side by side. → First virus labeled “Last Year’s Flu” → Second virus labeled “Mutation” (looks a little different) → Third virus labeled “This Year’s Flu” (spike shapes changed) • Show the vaccine made for last year not matching the new version • Show scientists studying and creating a new vaccine. Labels to include: • Virus Mutations • New Strain • Updated Vaccine See more