Denton County Living Well Magazine March/April 2016 | Page 33

Flu viruses are parasites that live inside
cells and therefore antibodies, which
operate outside of cells, are not the
most effective way to protect against
the virus. The Universal Flu Vaccine
takes the battle from outside the cell to
inside the cell where there is another
arm of the immune system called cellmediated immunity. This part of the immune system contains specific T cells
that are stimulated to produce viruskilling agents called cytokines when
they come in contact with a flu virus
after exposure to the Universal Flu Vaccine. The goal is not just to take the
fight to the virus source, but also to
offer broader protection that doesn’t
change year to year. This would allow for less frequent vaccinations
(about every five years vs. annually),
similar to the Tetanus or Polio vaccine.
In addition, it would offer protection
against potential pandemic flu strains
as well––think swine (H1N1) and bird
(H5N1 and H7N9) flu strains.

While, it’s too early to know how severe the 2016 flu season will be, it
will soon become clearer how effective this year’s vaccine is. During any

lation, causing illness, lost workdays,
hospitalizations and even deaths. Until we see a breakthrough with Universal Flu Vaccine, we must return to that

particular flu season, the virus may
infect up to 20% of the entire popu-

old mantra, “get a flu shot and hope
for the best.”

North Texas
Center for Sight

Our mission is to provide the best eye care
possible and improve your vision as much
as medically possible.
Full Service Optical & Eyewear Gallery
Contact Lens Exam & Fitting
Optometry Services:
✔Comprehensive Eye Exams

Comprehensive Ophthalmology

✔Eyelid Surgery
✔Glaucoma & Diabetic Management
✔ARMD Management
✔Laser Surgery for Glaucoma &
✔Diabetic Retinopathy
✔Dry Eyes & Allergies
✔Micro Incision Cataract Surgery
✔Restor Multi-Focal & Toric Lens Implants

txeyemd.net
940-243-2020

Nicki Sayani, MD
Comprehensive
Ophthalmology

2220 Emery Street
Denton, TX 76201

All major health insurance and
vision plans accepted.

DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | MARCH/APRIL 2016

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