Llama antibodies are inspiring a nasal spray to prevent against all strains of the flu. Already, the spray has proved itself to protect against all strains on mice. In one case, however, the spray did not work. The mice caught bird flu. Humans do not catch bird flu, as there are no reported cases of such, so researchers are continuing on with the current development

     The spray is still in its early stages and has multiple tests to pass before human trials can begin. The spray would likely be offered annually, but it would not require redesign every year to fit the most current strains. Instead, the spray would protect against all strains every year. Presently, the flu vaccine only covers the common strains, allowing the chance to still get the flu. Because this spray has not reached human testing yet, there is much that cannot be said, or assumed. Researchers are still learning all they possibly can regarding this spray and its possible side effects.

     Why are scientists using llama antibodies? The reason for that is because the antibodies lack a certain peptide allowing researchers to cut away from the heavier peptides that are still existent in the antibodies to create nanobodies. The llama antibodies are much smaller than humans, allowing for better flu prevention as those antibodies can attach to, what is known as, the HA protein better than human antibodies can.

     The question remains: how do people feel about this possible prevention of all flu strains? West Perry’s school nurse, Mrs. Davis, claims she is “very interested and very encouraged” by the news of preventing all strains of the flu. While she had not heard of this latest development, she was excited to say she would look into it and find out all there is to know. Nontraditional methods of treatment are popping up more often, and she recognizes there are “a lot of undiscovered treatments” so this is only the start to better treatments.