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Published online 21 May 2009 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news.2009.503
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Old seasonal flu antibodies target swine flu virus
Lab results could explain why young patients are hardest hit by current H1N1 strain.
Antibodies against some seasonal flu strains from prior years may be active against the new H1N1 swine flu currently circulating the globe, a recent study reports. The findings suggest an explanation for why swine flu appears to infect the young more often than the elderly, who are normally more susceptible to seasonal flu viruses.
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I have never had the flu in my life. Is there such a thing as inherited immunity? (Apparently my grandfather survived two bouts of the 1918 flu.)Any thoughts?.....
just wondering!! why the title said:Old seasonal flu antibodies target swine flu virus
Crickey - You cannot inherit immunity, as this is gained from exposure to the germ or virus in question. For a good description of the immune system, please see the Wikiepdia page on this topic at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immune_system . BTW - I am also sure that you have dealt with flu viruses even if you have not come down with the flu itself. However, this does not mean that you have previously been exposed to H1N1 and therefore would have immunity to it.
My understanding of influenza viruses in people is that a new virus often replaces the one which had previously been infecting people. I also seem to recall that there was a major H1N1 epidemic in 1949 where one H1N1 replaced another. Further, there was the H2N2 pandemic in 1956 when H1N1 stopped circulating in humans for the most part until another H1N1 reappeared sometime in the 1970s. Thus perhaps the explanation for the low rate of infection in seniors is first, they may have antibodies to a pre-1949 H1N1 or second, they may have antibodies to a pre-1956 H1N1. Younger people may have no protection to novel H1N1 from antibodies to post-1970s H1N1. Perhaps someone who knows more about this could contribute.
Edward - I appreciate the info.Thanks
I've heard that many old women survived swine flu, so I thought I'll be OK because I'm young. Should I forgive my plan to travel Europe in this summer? :-( Is it dangerous?
THAT SOUND´S SO LOGICAL, THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION YOU GAVE US SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT HERE IN MEXICO
Crikey, I know its a month since the above remarks were made & I've only just read this article. What Edward said is true, but it is my understanding that some antibodies at least can cross the placenta membanes from 'mum' to her unborn child to give some protection when it is born. So, if this happened to you, then you had a good start and if you then had a mild dose of flu when you were very young, not only would the symtoms be reduced, but you would gain increased resistance to the virus. Of course a healthy lifestyle also helps!