Chronic flu patients could be an early warning system for future outbreaks

Viral mutations from long-term infections predict later strains making worldwide rounds

flu virus

FLU REVIEW  Observing mutations that tweak proteins on the surface of the flu virus (3-D representation, shown) in people with long-term infections may give researchers a preview of how the virus will morph as it spreads globally years later.

CDC

People with weakened immune systems might help scientists get a jump on the flu virus.