WEST PALM BEACH, FL -- Scientists have found a way to attack the flu virus that could eventually eliminate many of the problems and fears from seasonal influenza as well as the threat of bird flu .
Dr. Wayne Marasco, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: "We have identified a new area on the influenza virus that acts as an Achilles heal. The virus does not have the ability to evade the immune system when the immune system is directed to this area."
The scientists have managed to make antibodies to that Achilles heals that could work as both a treatment and the basis for new universal vaccines
Chandra Bill, reporter: "Influenza sickens millions in the United States every year and its complications kill an estimated 36,000. In addition there is the constant threat of bird flu or some other type mutating.. to cause a pandemic, a huge
outbreak of a strain to which humans have no immunity."
That is what happened in 1918 when the so called Spanish flu killed at least 20-million people worldwide. A universal vaccine would eliminate that threat.. along with the problems that often occur.. because the seasonal flu shot does not match the virus that is circulating through the population.
So far, the scientists have only studied human flu in mice. But the research is moving so quickly they believe they will have experimental vaccines -- and treatments-- for people as soon as three years from now.
While that time frame is fairly optimistic, Dr. Marasco says a vaccine could come even sooner it it weren't for the cost. Manufacturing anti-bodies is expensive and it would be necessary to stockpile a lot of it in order to treat everyone.
