| Two genetic sequences were recently released | | | | people cough, they're not shedding as much virus |
| from the Netherlands that detail a PB2 mutation in | | | | as they could if an equal amount (or more) of the |
| the AH1N1 flu in two unrelated individuals. The | | | | virus was located in the nose and throat. |
| significance of this mutation, the E627K, is that it | | | | This mutation may be linked to an increasing |
| allows the flu to replicate more effectively in | | | | death rate in the Americas and India, where |
| colder temperatures, at about 90 degrees | | | | many clinicians thought that the flu was mutating |
| Fahrenheit. The temperature of your nose in the | | | | and becoming more deadly. This may or may not |
| Winter, for example. | | | | be the case, but it is a definite possibility. |
| Since this mutation allows the virus to replicate | | | | There is another mutation that is note worthy |
| more effectively there, people will start receiving | | | | and may have a significant influence on the flu and |
| larger viral loads from coughs and sneezes, which | | | | has been showing increasing prevalence. You've |
| can lead to more serious illness in those effected. | | | | probably heard of this one, but it's Tamiflu |
| This mutation has, generally, been linked to | | | | resistance. The number of cases has been |
| increased virulence and transmissibility. Think: the | | | | increasing and many have been linked to a |
| current flu is most effective in the lungs, which | | | | particular mutation that is fit to become |
| explains why most cases are of mild illness. It's | | | | widespread. Be on the lookout for Tamiflu |
| not easy for a virus to reach the lungs, given the | | | | resistance in your area! |
| fact that they're so deep in the body. So when | | | | |