Why is it each year we release a new vaccine for influenza (the flu), but we don’t have a vaccine or cure for the common cold?(2 points)
There are a few reasons why we release a new vaccine for influenza each year but don't have a vaccine or cure for the common cold.
1. Influenza viruses mutate rapidly: Influenza viruses undergo frequent genetic changes, resulting in new strains that can cause seasonal epidemics or pandemics. This high mutability of influenza viruses makes it necessary to update the vaccine annually to target the most prevalent strains. In contrast, the common cold is caused by numerous respiratory viruses, including rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, and adenoviruses, among others. These viruses have a lower mutation rate compared to influenza viruses, making it more challenging to develop a single vaccine that would be effective against all common cold viruses.
2. Severity and impact: Influenza can cause severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those with underlying health conditions. Each year, influenza leads to a significant burden on public health and healthcare systems. Therefore, there is a need to develop and administer an annual influenza vaccine to reduce the impact of the disease. On the other hand, while the common cold is bothersome and can cause discomfort, it is typically a milder illness that resolves on its own without causing severe complications. Given the comparatively lower severity and impact of the common cold, the urgency to develop a vaccine or cure for it is relatively less pronounced.
In summary, the rapid mutability of influenza viruses and their significant impact on public health necessitate the yearly release of flu vaccines, while the milder nature and wider variety of viruses causing the common cold make it more challenging to develop a universal vaccine or cure.