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Learn how measles erased immune memory in the 1918 Spanish Influenza pandemic, and how a history of obesity may similarly influence viral infection outcomes today.
How measles messes with your immune system
Lauren Steele
(PhD Candidate, The University of Queensland)
Anti-vaxxers claim that it’s better to build up your immune system “naturally”. But WW1 soldiers who had a “natural” measles virus infection exhibited the unfortunate side-effect of wiping out their immune memory.
Lauren completed her Bachelor of Science (Hons) in 2021 at the University of Queensland and is currently a PhD candidate looking at the role host factors play in viral pandemics.
Lauren completed her Bachelor of Science (Hons) in 2021 at the University of Queensland and is currently a PhD candidate looking at the role host factors play in viral pandemics.
A killer combination
Ellesandra Noye
(PhD Student, The University of Queensland)
Obesity increases the severity of influenza and COVID. Worryingly, obesity may have long-term consequences on the immune response, even after weight loss. What does this mean for those with a history of obesity who contract influenza or SARS-CoV-2?
Ellesandra Noye is a PhD student at the University of Queensland. She recently graduated from a Bachelor of Advanced Science. Her research focuses on ‘trained immunity’ as a link between transient life events and disease.
Ellesandra Noye is a PhD student at the University of Queensland. She recently graduated from a Bachelor of Advanced Science. Her research focuses on ‘trained immunity’ as a link between transient life events and disease.
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