Researchers found that adding certain antibodies to flu vaccines could make them stronger. The antibodies are to neuraminidase (NA) and parts of hemagglutinin, called the HA head and HA stalk. These antibodies may not only lower the chance of getting sick but also reduce how contagious an infected person is.
The team followed households across three influenza seasons and used blood tests, virus testing and simple models to study spread. Almost all people in the study had not been vaccinated, so the researchers mostly saw immunity from infection. They say changing vaccines to include these antibodies could protect infants and people with weak immune systems.
Difficult words
- antibody — a blood protein that fights infectionsantibodies
- neuraminidase — a virus protein on the flu surface
- hemagglutinin — a virus protein that helps entry into cells
- contagious — able to spread from person to person
- immunity — protection the body has against disease
- infant — a very young child or babyinfants
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you get a flu vaccine if it included these antibodies? Why or why not?
- How could vaccines that reduce how contagious a sick person is help families or communities?
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