According to the 'hygiene hypothesis', viral infections prevent the development of asthma and other atopic diseases. Influenza virus appears now to enhance, rather than inhibit, the development of asthma and allergic responses.
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Umetsu, D. Flu strikes the hygiene hypothesis. Nat Med 10, 232–234 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/nm0304-232
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nm0304-232
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