Francis Collins, the chief of the National Institute of Health, has made the unlikely prediction that a universal flu vaccine that protects against all strains may be within reach in the next five years. Flu viruses mutate yearly, causing small changes in surface coatings, which make old vaccines obsolete.
USA Today reports:
“Recently however, scientists have found ‘there are parts of the viral coat that don't change ... If you designed a vaccine to go after the constant part of the virus, you'd be protected against all strains,’ Collins said.”
Folks, I’d have to say that with over 200 forms of influenza A, B and C known to cause the symptoms of influenza, this projection seems absurd.