#1
#1 out of 16.2K est. views
health20h ago
A world without flu is possible
- Latest data shows a moderately severe flu season with ongoing hospitalizations and significant youth impact in major cities like New York.
- A subclade K of H3N2 is driving mutations that may reduce current flu vaccine effectiveness.
- Vaccination remains a key defense, with early UK data showing substantial protection against severe illness for children and adults.
- Researchers are pursuing universal flu strategies to broaden protection beyond annual vaccine updates.
- Stem-focused vaccines and nanoparticle displays are in early human trials to broaden immune coverage.
- Broader immune targets, including neuraminidase and T-cell responses, could lessen illness severity.
- The U.S. is seeing renewed political interest and funding for universal flu prevention research.
- Beyond vaccines, antivirals and at-home tests can reduce illness severity and spread.
- Influenza remains a global health threat, necessitating ongoing prevention and treatment innovations.
- Researchers anticipate vaccines that target conserved viral features to curb drift and improve protection.
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