Scientists Create the Definitive Flu Killer

[s4mid4re]

University of Texas Southwestern's scientists have created a new flu vaccine that can protect us against any kind of flu, not just one type. Unlike the current type of vaccines, this can even protect us if the virus mutates.

That's the big problem of the current vaccines: every year, medical experts guess what's going to be the dominant flu strain and create a vaccine using a weakened version of that virus. When it gets injected, our body gets to know the weakened virus safely, producing cells that can neutralize that virus if a real attack occurs. The problem is that, if that virus mutates, this prevention becomes useless. That is why people may get the flu even when they are vaccinated.
The team led by Dr. Beatrice Fontoura took a completely different approach:

"What we are doing is something different. We are actually stimulating our own response which is already there – boost it – to fight an infection."

Their solution boosts our natural immunological system, targeting a protein in our bodies called REDD-1. Fontoura's team discovered that, when REDD-1 levels are low in a cell, the flu virus can easily infect the cell. The vaccine increases the protein's levels, creating a shield that is impossible for the virus to penetrate.

According to the team, the new vaccine is so effective that it can even protect us against the Spanish Flu, the H1N1 influenza virus that killed between 50 and 100 million in 1918, mostly healthy young adults. Another deadly H1N1 virus was the Swine Flu, which may have infected 11% to 21% of the world's population in 2009.

Sadly, the vaccine is still not ready for mass distribution yet. They have to complete the usual FDA procedures to be introduced in the market, a process that may take years. [CBS]

Source

It's still not ready, but as a flu hater, I'm looking forward to this.
Also, yay, no more yearly vaccination if this turns out well!

Discuss.

 

[ars25]

flu its done with now all we need is a cure for cancer and aids

 

[Necron]

The the vaccine mutates and voila! now T-virus




But in all seriousness, this would be amazing, but I have my doubts about it.

 

[Midna]

Cool beans.

 

[Deleted member 186944]

I doubt this will beat the flu, it takes time to know if the virus will mutate and overcome the immunization, I find it's a bold claim but only time will tell if it's true or not.

 

[Rydian]

They have to complete the usual FDA procedures

When I read that I got all sad.

I don't know if we'll ever see it.

 

[DiscostewSM]

Someone get Will Smith on the set!

 

[purplesludge]

They have to complete the usual FDA procedures

When I read that I got all sad.

I don't know if we'll ever see it.

Depends on how much profit can be made or if it causes the zombie apocalypse.

 

[Gh0sti]

its the future t-virus everyone stock up on guns and be prepared for zombies

 

[ShadowSoldier]

Question;

Am I the only one here who hasn't got a shot in years? I just don't believe in them. And yet every year I'm always healthy.

 

[kylster]

Question;

Am I the only one here who hasn't got a shot in years? I just don't believe in them. And yet every year I'm always healthy.

I rarely goto the doctor as well been about 3years before that maybe 5 years???? I only get ill around October; my sinus' OMG!!

EDIT: Sorry just earlier this year I had a ear infection LoL

 

[omgpwn666]

Question;

Am I the only one here who hasn't got a shot in years? I just don't believe in them. And yet every year I'm always healthy.

Dude, I have not gotten a shot since I was about 10, I'm 20 now. Been healthy since then.

 

[s4mid4re]

Question;

Am I the only one here who hasn't got a shot in years? I just don't believe in them. And yet every year I'm always healthy.

You have a point there, and to be blunt, our body's immune system is automatically able to fend off/cure most of the harmful bacteria and viruses out there. But that's not always the case, mostly for people who have a weak body or immune system. For most people, it might just be some reassurance that they won't be affected by flu anymore. For people like you, it might just be unnecessary. But for others, it might be something vital to them.

EDIT: forgot to mention infants (and their parents) as well. I doubt most parents would think that way.

All in all, I think your reasoning is a little self-centered.

 

[Tom Bombadildo]

Didn't get a shot last year and the year before that and no problems here boss.

 

[Bladexdsl]

i never get the flu but this is great good for peeps who do

 

[hobo33]

I've only ever had the flu once. The first time was when I was like 6, and the 2nd was a couple of years ago 4 days after I got a flu shot

Ever since then I refuse to get it.

 

[Skyline969]

flu its done with now all we need is a cure for cancer and aids

Actually, a (pretty much) cure for cancer has been found but, sadly, likely will never make it to the market as the companies that sell cancer treatments would go bankrupt.

Proof

There is also a breakthrough in AIDS research, which could lead to a vaccine in the future.

Proof

 

[Nimbus]

This is a good day.

I knew something like this would eventually exist. Everything has a common weakness, even if it has 3000 different varients or more.

 

[BORTZ]

Medical engineering is awesome.
Nuts I know FDA is here to help but man this is gonna take forever.

 

[Shoat]

Next target: The common cold.