Description

Overview:

It's that time of year again. Coughing coworkers, student absences, and reminders to get your shot are sure signs that flu season is upon us. This year's epidemic seems to have struck earlier and harder than usual all amid concerns over shortages of the flu vaccine. While some vaccines provide lifelong protection with one or a few doses (e.g., measles, mumps, and polio), the flu requires a new shot every year. And in some years, the flu shot is hardly effective at all. Why is the flu vaccine different from so many other vaccines? A look at the evolution of the flu virus can explain the weaknesses of current vaccines and points the way towards a vaccine that could provide long-lasting, universal protection.

Subject:

Biology

Level:

High School, Community College / Lower Division, College / Upper Division

Material Type:

Diagram/Illustration, Reading

Provider:

University of California Museum of Paleontology

Provider Set:

Understanding Evolution

Date Added:

02/01/2013