A new nasal spray may be effective in fighting a flu epidemic. The spray contains engineered proteins that coat the nose and throat receptors to which a flu virus may attach. Although only tested on mice so far, this intervention could be useful in fighting a flu epidemic if proven effective. Vaccines can take months to create and get ready for distribution. Having such a nasal spray ready before an epidemic could prevent many illnesses and deaths. The nasal spray has currently been tested only in mice, where researchers found promising results. Mice that received the spray before being given flu viruses were fully protected. Unfortunately, successful mice studies do not always translate to successful human studies. More research will need to be conducted before the effectiveness of the nasal spray can be determined.
Although flu season peaks during winter, there is a chance of catching the flu all year. If you or someone you know has the flu please call us within 36 hours from the onset of symptoms for more information about our flu treatment studies for ages 5-80.
