The influenza virus continues to spread rapidly through many areas in the U.S., largely because the current flu vaccine is not a perfect match. This is leaving many people without influenza protection, and the number of flu cases is skyrocketing, with some people being put into ICU for treatment and some deaths being reported. In response to the problem, a new flu vaccine is being developed by scientists that is expected to meet the demands for all influenza types, called a universal flu vaccine.

The flu vaccine was initially developed by scientists in Okairòs (Rome, Italy). It is currently being tested on animals by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While other universal flu vaccines are currently being worked on by several companies, the FDA chose this one because it is made from a virus that humans have had no contact with in the past, therefore prior immunity will not be an issue.

Plans for the new drug are to start the clinical trials this year. It is believed that this flu vaccine could protect people for as long as 20 years or longer, and it would protect them from all flu viruses. This would mean that even if it mutated, it would not matter. The tests are taking place at the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City.

Tests on mice have shown to be promising. A strong immune response occurred in the mice and it activated T-cells. In humans, when there are viruses that people have been previously exposed to, it can partially block the effect of the anti-virus, weakening its overall value.

One place that could certainly use the universal flu vaccine is South Carolina. The number of flu cases there is 28,000, and the standard children’s medicine used for flu defense, Tamiflu, is in short supply in some locations. The number of flu cases there is twice as high as last year, and 20 deaths have been reported, and 500 people were hospitalized just last week.

Many areas of the United States are having higher than normal influenza cases. As many as 46 states have reported high levels of flu transmission and more cases than usual are straining the local health care systems. New York City is now requiring all day care and kindergarten children to have the mandatory flu shot. Influenza is also widespread in Europe as reported by Flusurvey.

The USDA and CDC offer several prevention tips to help people avoid the current flu strain. They suggest that people frequently wash their hands, avoid people that have the flu, stay home from work or school if you get it, and get the flu vaccine.

The flu vaccine that is being developed to prevent all influenza types is not apt to be a reality for a couple more years. The current flu vaccine is not a good match, but doctors are still recommending it because it can help reduce the symptoms. Other flu medications are available if necessary, but they need to be obtained within the first 48 hours to be most effective.