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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Photo: Flu Viruses Originate in Asia, Hitch Across Globe


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Strains of the most common type of influenza virus, A (H3N2), constantly evolve in East and Southeast Asia before spreading to the rest of the world along the pathways shown above, new research shows.

The findings will help scientists better predict the evolution of the strains, which could in turn lead to improved flu vaccines.

Image courtesy NASA/University of Cambridge