Flu season this year was especially rough. It came early and hit hard – three children died from the flu in December, according to WebMd. There is a new vaccine being tested on mice. Thus, it could potentially act as a “universal flu vaccine” for multiple strains, according to U.S. News.
As a result, the mice that got the vaccine had protection for four months, according to U.S. News. This research is especially important, especially because new strains of the disease show up every year. The vaccine contains matrix protein 2 ectodomain and neuraminidase. The combination of the two proved to be important for the mice.
Researchers discovered that the combination cross-protected the mice. They are unsure if it could work in humans. However, after seeing the data, they are hopeful it could at least provide a gateway. This vaccine could end up being useful when more research is done on humans.
In the meantime, The Center for Disease Control still recommends getting a shot every season. While this vaccine could eliminate that need, until it becomes available, no one should take any chances. The CDC stresses that getting the vaccine is incredibly important.
If you would like to learn more about it and the vaccine, click here:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html
And to learn more about this year’s season, click here:
https://americanmedicalcompliance.com/flu-is-rising-this-season/
