Abstract
Original Antigenic Sin and Pandemic (H1N1) 2009
Highlights
To the Editor: While pandemic (H1N1) 2009 was in its earliest stages, age distribution data indicated surprisingly few cases among persons >65 years of age
This observation raised the question about whether older persons were protected from infection with an influenza virus A (H1N1) strain acquired many years ago
In 1960, Thomas Francis proposed the hypothesis of original antigenic sin, a phenomenon whereby a person who as a child was first exposed to a specific influenza virus A would, throughout life, mount an immune response to the virus of childhood, even when exposed to other antigenically dissimilar influenza viruses
Summary
To the Editor: While pandemic (H1N1) 2009 was in its earliest stages, age distribution data indicated surprisingly few cases among persons >65 years of age. This observation raised the question about whether older persons were protected from infection with an influenza virus A (H1N1) strain acquired many years ago. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that approximately two thirds of older persons have evidence of immunity to pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
