A multivalent mRNA influenza vaccine

In a recent study discussed in the article; A multivalent nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccine against all known influenza virus subtypes, a new vaccine was developed and encodes hemagglutinin antigens from all of the twenty known influenza A and B viruses and their subtypes and lineages. Seasonal influenza vaccines vary in effectiveness due to the difficulty in predicting what influenza virus subtype will be prevalent. The new mRNA influenza vaccine showed protection against the antigenically variable influenza virus by inducing antibodies against the multiple antigens. Not only do multivalent vaccines work for influenza but are now also being used to battle the new COVID-19 variants. According to Paul C Guest  in order to manage the pandemic more effectively a multivalent vaccine needs to be made that recognize the mutated regions in SARS_CoV-2 spike protein. 

As an individual entering the healthcare profession it is vital to know how the influenza vaccine works and how it protects individuals from the virus. I find it astonishing that people within this profession are able to still improve vaccines that have been around for so long and as a community we are close to being able to have one shot that protects from most influenza A and B subtypes. Influenza has a large death rate for elderly and as someone who sees geriatric patients daily I am happy a solution is being presented for extra protection for them and others. 

The Flu Outbreak

The flu, one of the most deadly epidemics that broke out in 1918 and killed as many as 50 people. It is a virus infecting the respiratory system. There are three types of flu viruses which include the following: Type A, B, and C. Type A is the worst virus to obtain and is the virus that broke out and killed those 50 people in 1918. The best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get an annual vaccine. Scientists develop a new vaccine every fall. Getting vaccinated before flu season reduces your chances of getting the flu and helps you to recover faster if you do get it. The most common symptoms are fevers, chills, body aches, and weakness. Influenza is caused by a virus that is spread by touching a surface a person with the flu has touched and transmitting the virus to your mouth or nose.
There are many risk factors that arise in young children and adults from complications of the flu such as: chronic illness, pregnant woman, working in childcare, working in health care, etc. The best treatment care is bed rest and drinking plenty of fluids. Over the counter pain relievers also help reduce fevers and muscle aches. The flu is a serious virus to take precaution to. Not only does it make the body weaker but it has killed multiple people. It is important to sneeze and cough properly when sick and around others, also to constantly wash your hands. The flu is very contagious and is constantly spreading from one person to the next. Most people with a healthy immune system get over the flu in about 2 weeks. Approximately 35,000 people in the US die of the flu each year.

https://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/influenza

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2018/01/25/heres-what-you-should-know-about-the-flu-season-this-year/?utm_term=.24f8a08bc18c

How flu shot manufacturing forces influenza to mutate

In the past 70 years, vaccine manufacturers have utilized chicken eggs. By injecting the influenza into the egg, replication of the virus occurs and is further used to produce the vaccine. The flu shot's primary function is to train the human immune system to fight the virus. Research conducted by Dr. Nicholas Wu of The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI); however, has found that there is a problem in egg-based vaccine production, specifically for the H3N2 subtype of influenza. Wu used X-ray crystallography to detect a mutation called L194P found on the virus's hemagglutinin glycoprotein. This mutation inhibits an immune response because the protein will not be recognized by the immune system. The L194P mutation has adapted to egg-based production, increased motility, and disrupted the major antibody target site on the virus surface. Due to this adaptation in the virus, the flu vaccine has become less effective in humans and recent vaccines have only shown 33% efficacy against the H3N2 viruses.
With flu season in effect, this article should be a public health concern and indicative of further research in flu vaccination. Physicians should be advised of this new issue and further educate their patients that the flu vaccine does not guarantee prevention of illness. While this study is concerning, it is not a surprise that the virus has learned how to adapt and mutate because egg-based production has been used for quite some time. With this in mind, it is clear that scientists must explore new ways of producing the flu vaccination so that is more effective

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/10/171030134625.htm
http://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1006682