Two separate U.S. teams have reportedly made progress on creating a universal influenza vaccine, according to the BBC:
Researchers say they are closer to developing a vaccine to give life-long protection against any type of flu, after promising trials in animals. Two separate US teams have found success with an approach that homes in on a stable part of the flu virus. That should remove the problem with current flu vaccines which must be given anew each year because they focus on the mutating part of the virus.
The proof-of-concept work is published in Science journal and Nature Medicine [both paywalled]. Studies are now needed in humans to confirm that the method will work in man.
(Score: 2) by darnkitten on Tuesday August 25 2015, @05:41PM
Where I live, we usually have one or two (usually Seniors) die per year from pneumonia or some other complication which starts out with flu. Several more are generally hospitalized from said complications. I, myself, usually catch it every 2-3 years, because I work in the Library and come in contact with kids and people who need books to read while they are sick in bed.