Steps Toward a Universal Flu Vaccine

Plasmoid writes "The NYTimes is reporting that scientists have starting developing what could turn out to be a 'universal' flu vaccine. They created antibody proteins that can neutralize different strains of the influenza virus, including the deadly H5N1 bird flu, the virus behind the 1918 epidemic, and common seasonal strains. These new antibodies target part of the virus that is shared between different strains and thus appear to be broadly effective. However, some experts question whether a universal vaccine of this kind is even possible, since the human body has been unable to come up with an antibody solution. An article on nature.com describes the work further."

Comments

Only stupidity is universal.

[amn108]

Playing gods again, are we? Hope this one does not turn me into a viscious human animal much like those freaky infected characters from "I Am Legend". Did not look like those guys were having much fun with life. And all they wanted is a shot of a universal cancer vaccine.

Funny, I was just thinking about this...

[bitrex]

I was thinking earlier today "I may now be unemployed and unable to afford my housing - but at least I can't think of a way the economy could get much worse." Then I thought "Unless further defaults on ARMs through the summer is followed by a global flu pandemic in the winter of 2009-2010." Not only would the economy grind to a halt as many wouldn't want to risk infection by heading off to work, it could also bankrupt the healthcare industry through millions needing coverage for vaccines and lengthy hospitalizations. Now that would be a perfect storm worthy of Murphy.

innoculation or vaccine?

[Anonymous Coward]

http://www.marytocco.com/marytoccobio.htm
 
 

Who is Mary Tocco

Bio Page

        * Director of Vaccine Research and Education on the board of Michigan Opposing Mandatory Vaccines, since 1994
        * Spent 23 years managing and promoting a chiropractic clinic and studying natural health care.
        * I am an independent investigator of vaccines for last 27 years.

America's Number #1 Research Center

*Professional * * Dedicated *

Mary Tocco

          Mary Tocco has been in the health care field for over 27 years and is currently running her daughter, Dr. Renee Tocco's chiropractic wellness clinic in Charleston, SC. She was married to Dr. Sam Tocco and spent 23 years managing and promoting their chiropractic clinic in Michigan. They have 5 healthy unvaccinated children. Before having their first child 27 years ago, they had the opportunity to research childhood vaccines and made the decision to not vaccinate their children. She became actively involved in Michigan when a bill was introduced in Michigan, which threatened to remove the "Philosophical Exemption" to waive vaccines. She got involved with Michigan Opposing Mandatory Vaccines (MOM), a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the right of parents to waive vaccines if they choose, and the group successfully stopped the bill from passing. That was the beginning of a dedicated, passionate career of educating and reaching out to parents around the country. Mary has been sharing and encouraging parents to be pro active in the health care of their family, utilizing natural, holistic and health promoting ideas for raising their children. She had four of her five children born at home with mid-wives, promotes breast feeding, pro active healthy life syle, supports home education and a dedicated Christian. She founded the Precious Health Campaign, LLC to help reach parents across America so that they too would have the same opportunity for healthy families. She is a dynamic speaker so please consider her for your next conference.

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Re:vaccine even possible?

[Zan Lynx]

If God meant Man to fly He would have given us wings. So don't bother inventing airplanes.

If Evolution meant Man to fly it would have evolved us wings. So don't bother inventing airplanes.

Both pretty silly arguments!

If Evolution meant Man to be immune to the flu, we would be, so don't bother trying.

Equally silly and is theological because it treats Evolution as if it was perfect and all-knowing, i.e. God.