Heterotypic immunity to influenza in ferrets

Heterotypic immunity to influenza virus in ferrets operated against heterotypic influenza viruses but not heterologous viruses. Contrary to prior reports, the protection conferred lasted for at least 18 months. This type of immunity limited virus shedding but did not prevent infection. These results suggest that this phenomenon could play a role in determining the severity of infections caused by type A influenza viruses in humans.