Recently scientists have found a way to better improve our
flu vaccinations. Through the discovery
that our seasonal flu usually escapes immunity from the vaccines by only a
single substitution of an amino acid, scientists believe that they now can
further our vaccinations to improve our health. Although it was believed that
there were 130 places for the substitution o occur, this substitution is now
only found at seven places throughout the DNA of the flu.
Usual vaccinations work by showing
the body an inactive version of that virus. The immune system of the being
becomes adapted to the virus and begins to make antibodies to fight it. Now
that the body can make that specific antibody, if it is exposed to the active
form on the virus, it is already set up to fight the virus. With the evolution of
the flu virus, the vaccine must be changed every year to the new updated form
of the virus, which requires new antibodies to fight off.
In order to
try and predict which direction the virus will go next, researchers created new
substitutions and combinations of the amino acid at the seven spots and then
determined which combination and substitution caused new strands of the virus to
develop.
This new discovery could help
scientists better predict the evolution of the flu virus. With this prediction,
we can help stop the virus before it even starts, which can enable them to make
vaccinations that will be more effective.
I found this article very relevant to this time of year because it is flu season and I just received my flu shot ! If scientists can better predict the evolution of the flu virus this would be a better incentive for people to get vaccinated. Every year I battle with my doctor and say to myself "Does it really work ?" A more effective vaccine would also help the elderly and those with immune system problems from getting sick during the season.
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