Excess body weight can weaken efficacy of flu vaccine

Research indicates that the flu vaccine is less effective in obese individuals. A study from the University of North Carolina found that vaccinated obese adults have a higher risk of flu compared to those with healthy weight. During the 2009 flu outbreak, it was observed that the infection was more severe in overweight individuals, with the virus spreading deeper in the lungs. A University of Maryland study showed that more virus is exhaled by obese individuals. According to Professor Melinda Beck, excess weight causes metabolic changes that affect immune cells, leading to a reduced T cell response despite vaccination.

What did the University of North Carolina study find about the flu vaccine's effectiveness in obese adults?

• Obese adults have a higher risk of flu despite vaccination.

• The vaccine is more effective in obese adults.

• It is equally effective in obese and healthy weight adults.

• Obese adults do not need the flu vaccine.

During the 2009 flu outbreak, what was observed about the infection in overweight individuals?

• It was less severe in overweight individuals.

• It was equally severe in all individuals.

• It was more severe in significantly overweight individuals.

• Overweight individuals were immune to the flu.

How does the flu virus behave differently in heavier individuals?

• It grows to lower concentrations.

• It spreads less in the lungs.

• It grows to higher concentrations and spreads deeper in the lungs.

• It does not affect the lungs.

What did the University of Maryland study find about the exhaled breath of overweight individuals?

• It contains less of the virus.

• It contains more of the virus.

• It is the same as in healthy weight individuals.

• It contains no virus.

According to Professor Melinda Beck, how does excess weight affect the immune system?

• It enhances the immune response.

• It has no effect on the immune system.

• It causes a metabolic shift that affects immune system cells.

• It makes the immune system more efficient.