A single mutation helped last year's flu virus gain an advantage over the vaccine

(Cell Press) The 2014-2015 flu vaccine didn't work as well compared to previous years because the H3N2 virus recently acquired a mutation that concealed the infection from the immune system. A study published on June 25 in Cell Reports reveals the major viral mutation responsible for the mismatch between the vaccine strain and circulating strains. The research will help guide the selection of viral strains for future seasonal flu vaccines.
Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news