Four out of ten Brits may naturally show fewer flu symptoms

ConclusionA study of 1,414 unvaccinated people showed those with T cells targeting virus nucleoprotein still got infected by flu, but had fewer symptoms. The logic is that people with fewer symptoms are less likely to spread the virus through coughs and sneezes, which may slow the spread of both seasonal and pandemic flu strains.This is plausible, but was not directly tested in this study, so we don't know if it's true in real life. The research team suggested vaccines that boost T cell numbers might be worth exploring, as an alternative to those that try to stop virus infection altogether. An added potential benefit of their finding was that lessened symptoms in one virus strain showed similar signs in another. That said, only two virus types were tested, so we don't know whether this "cross-reactivity" is more widespread.The findings suggest around 43% of people had some form of this natural immunity, but it's not clear if this is across a broad range of flu viruses or just a couple.The study is encouraging, but is in its early stages of understanding, raising as many questions as it answers. For example: Is it possible to boost this natural symptom immunity in those that have it? How common is this natural immunity in the public? Is it possible to transfer this symptom immunity to those that don’t have it? How useful is this at preventing new cases of flu or deaths from flu? If you are particularly vulnerable to the effects of a flu infection due...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Heart/lungs Medical practice Medication Swine flu Source Type: news