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To: EagleUSA

The bird flue virus has not evolved to a human transmissable form, yet. until that happens, any vaccine developoed today would be specificn against the un-mutated bird virus and not the type that is extremely virulent against humans. Once that mutation has occurred, then vaccine development is possible. You can't create a vaccince for a disease that does not yet exist.


15 posted on 10/05/2005 12:13:16 PM PDT by doc30 (Democrats are to morals what and Etch-A-Sketch is to Art.)
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To: doc30
You can't create a vaccine for a disease that does not yet exist.

Not necessarily. Dependent on how much the virus mutates and and how much the viral coat (which is a bunch of polysaccharides that surround the virus) has changed. The antibodies we produce for the original virus "MAY" give protection for the new virus.

Cowpox is a good example. It is very similar to small pox but only causes a mild illness in humans. However, if you are exposed to cowpox and develop the mild infection you will have antibodies against smallpox and are immune.
20 posted on 10/05/2005 12:25:16 PM PDT by cpdiii (Roughneck, Geologist, Pilot, Pharmacist, Oil Field Trash and proud of it, full time Iconoclast.)
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To: doc30

You can't create a vaccince for a disease that does not yet exist.
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Good point Doc!!!
Let's hope they are ready to go if it does occur!!!!


27 posted on 10/05/2005 2:40:09 PM PDT by EagleUSA
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