Virus

Virus

Would you eat a lollipop without candy? Turns out the flu virus won't, either. A flu vaccine is the best shot at keeping influenza at bay, but it's far from bulletproof against infection. Researchers have now discovered that the flu virus has a sweet tooth for certain sugars found on the surface of cells in our respiratory tract.

These sugars, known as sialic acids, act as a gateway for the flu virus to enter and infect our cells. By binding to these sugars, the virus gains entry and begins its replication process. This discovery opens up new possibilities for developing antiviral treatments that target these specific sugars, potentially preventing the flu virus from entering our cells and causing infection.

While the flu vaccine remains the most effective method of protection against the flu, this new research sheds light on the intricate mechanisms of the virus and offers hope for future advancements in flu prevention and treatment. Understanding how the flu virus interacts with our cells can lead to the development of more targeted and effective vaccines, as well as antiviral drugs that disrupt the virus's ability to bind to sialic acids.