ID#: 22159
Description: Caption:
In order to test whether the flu virus in a sample, taken from a patient, matched an influenza vaccine virus, the sample needed to be grown in a cell culture, or an embryonated chicken egg. Growing the virus in cell culture, or eggs, produces a larger volume and concentration of virus than what was in the original sample. The larger volume of flu virus is needed for additional laboratory tests. This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) scientist was using a small vortex to mix the sample. The mixing evenly distributes virus particles, allowing a consistent mixture of particles to be drawn up into a syringe. The syringe will be used to deliver influenza virus to a specific area inside an embryonated chicken egg (PHIL 22160 - 22163), where the influenza virus would then multiply.
Additional Information:
Influenza (flu) viruses change constantly. As a WHO Collaborating Center for Influenza (WHO CC) and the U.S. National Influenza Center, CDC monitors flu activity nationally and globally with other labs, looking for changes in circulating viruses. CDC monitors flu viruses because changes can impact the effectiveness of flu vaccine. When circulating viruses are substantially different from those in the vaccine, vaccine effectiveness can be reduced. If it looks like viruses are starting to change in specific ways (which can impact how well the vaccine works), this can trigger health authorities to recommend different viruses for vaccine production.

Please visit the link below for more information about Influenza (Flu).
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Content Providers(s): CDC/ Emily Cramer
Creation Date: 2017
Photo Credit: Videographer: Todd Jordan
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Copyright Restrictions: None - This image is in the public domain and thus free of any copyright restrictions.