A new study suggests elderly individuals have a higher immunity to the virus.
Wired PR News – A new study suggests that people in their 60s and older are more immune to the new swine flu virus. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), scientists believe the reason may be attributed to older people having been exposed over time to more viruses that are similar to the swine flu.
Scientists reportedly mixed blood samples taken from people in the past with the new swine flu virus samples, and found significant protection for people 60 and older as compared to less than one in ten for younger adults. More than 60% of new swine flu virus cases have been found in people younger than 25, as stated by the AP.
As noted in the report; however, because the extent of their immunity is still unknown, scientists such as Dr. Anne Schuchat of the U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, advise older people to take the same precautions as younger people in preventing the contraction of the virus.
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