- Scientists study seasonal flu vaccines in animals to learn more.
- They test whether these vaccines can help against bird flu.
- Researchers use ferrets because they catch flu like people.
- Some seasonal vaccines seem to protect animals from bird flu.
- The vaccines that work include an N1 part in them.
- Standard tests did not find antibodies after vaccination.
- Protection may come from other parts of the immune system.
- Scientists say vaccination could buy time before new vaccines.
Difficult words
- seasonal — happening at a particular time each year
- vaccine — a medicine to prevent an infectionvaccines
- ferret — a small animal used in researchferrets
- antibody — a blood protein that fights infectionsantibodies
- immune system — the body parts that fight disease
- protect — to keep someone or something safe
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you had a flu vaccine?
- Do you have a pet like a ferret?
- Would you get a vaccine to buy time before a new one?
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