An international research team reviewed nearly two decades of ferret experiments. The review looked at about 35 controlled studies and almost 1,800 ferrets to compare outcomes.
They found seasonal influenza vaccines that included the N1 component (a vaccine part) reduced deaths from H5N1 by about 73% in vaccinated animals versus unvaccinated ones. Vaccines without N1 showed little or no protection.
Standard laboratory antibody tests showed no detectable antibodies after seasonal vaccination, so protection likely comes from other immune responses. The researchers say seasonal vaccination could reduce severe cases while specific H5N1 vaccines are developed, but human studies are needed.
Difficult words
- review — look at studies to judge resultsreviewed
- controlled — done with a comparison group in experiments
- component — one part of a larger thing or product
- detectable — able to be seen or measured
- antibody — a protein the body makes to fight germsantibodies
- vaccinate — give a vaccine to cause immunityvaccinated
- protection — something that keeps someone safe from harm
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 seasonal flu vaccine if it might reduce severe cases of a new virus? Why or why not?
- Why do scientists need human studies after results in animals?
- How could other immune responses help even when antibody tests find nothing?
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