article_snippet.sent: A key genetic mutation could explain why some children who catch flu are left fighting for some children who catch flu lives in hospital – while others just need a day or two in bed.
article_snippet.sent: Scientists discovered A key genetic mutation after studying a two-year-old French girl who nearly died from the flu.
article_snippet.sent: Scientists found Kathryn, a former primary school teacher was particularly vulnerable because Kathryn, a former primary school teacher had inherited a rare double genetic mutation from both of Kathryn, a former primary school teacher parents which meant Kathryn, a former primary school teacher was unable to produce a protein called interferon.
article_snippet.sent: Interferon, which is commercially available, helps the immune system attack flu and could now be used to save young victims.
article_snippet.sent: ‘This finding suggests that one could treat severe childhood flu with interferon.
article_snippet.sent: The girl, who was critically ill with flu in 2011, has not had the virus since, after being vaccinated annually.