Single vaccine could protect against all coughs, colds and flus
5 days ago
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- #vaccine
- #research
- A single nasal spray vaccine could protect against all coughs, colds, flus, bacterial lung infections, and may even ease allergies.
- The vaccine, tested in animals, marks a 'radical departure' from traditional vaccine design by mimicking immune cell communication rather than targeting specific infections.
- The vaccine leaves white blood cells in the lungs on 'amber alert,' reducing viruses entering the body by 100-to-1,000-fold and speeding up immune response.
- It also showed protection against bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii, and reduced allergic responses to dust mites.
- Experts call the research 'really exciting' and a potential 'major step forward,' but human trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety.
- Potential challenges include ensuring the immune system doesn't overreact and determining the duration of protection in humans.
- The vaccine could be used seasonally or during pandemics to buy time until specialized vaccines are developed.