A novel way of slowing down the rate at which a flu virus infects the body could well become an effective protector from all types of influenza, even pandemics, say researchers from the University of Warwick, UK. Animal studies have shown this procedure protects against a wide range of influenza viruses.
The researchers took away some genetic material from a flu virus, making other viruses less effective at spreading rapidly in the body. This slowing down gave the body time to develop an immune response and fight it off.
How is this different from current vaccines?
Current vaccines stimulate the body’s immune system so that antibodies are produced. These antibodies stick to the surface of the virus and destroy it. The problem with the flu virus is that its surface is changing all the time. As soon as you have a vaccine a new strain appears with a different surface, against which the vaccine is useless.
The research team took away 80% of the virus’ genetic material from one of 8 individual segments of single stranded RNA, rendering it harmless. As soon as another flu virus enters the body, this harmless one reproduces, slowing the rate of spread of the new virus – in other words, it competes with the new virus. This gives the body time to develop an effective immune response to the new virus. It completely prevents flu symptoms developing.
This new system works immediately. Most vaccines can take up to twenty days to become effective.