An experimental bird flu vaccine may protect from H5N1 virus and other strains of influenza as well. It is being developed by San Diego-based Vical Inc. Tests on mice showed that the vaccine protects them against H5N1 virus and seasonal human flu viruses. The test in ferrets, known to be the best animal ‘model’ for human flu infection, will be the next step.
The avian flu has infected 205 people and killed 113, despite the fact that it does not have the ability to spread easily. It would become a deadly pandemic if it spread easily. Current vaccines of H5N1 needed be changed every year. And experimental H5N1 vaccines being worked on now will be unable to provide good protection against a future pandemic strain.
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