Step 1: Identify the virus type.
Influenza is caused by the influenza virus, which is an RNA virus.
Viruses can either have DNA or RNA as their genetic material.
Step 2: Review of influenza's genetic material.
Influenza specifically contains single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) as its genetic material.
This single-stranded RNA is used by the virus for replication and to produce new viral proteins.
Step 3: Rule out other options.
Double stranded DNA: This is characteristic of many other viruses, but not influenza.
Single stranded DNA: Influenza does not have DNA, it has RNA.
Double stranded RNA: Some viruses have double-stranded RNA, but influenza has single-stranded RNA.
Thus, the correct answer is (C) Single stranded RNA.