This came up in my news feed this morning. Does anyone with far more comprehension of the actual mechanisms have any comment?

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/08/09/discovery-may-...

The researchers believe the antibody could be used to offer something that has never been available before – an actual treatment for patients who are infected with the flu. Currently, such patients are only given supportive treatment while their bodies fight off the infection on their own.

The discovery may even pave the way to a universal flu vaccine, effective against nearly all flu strains, that could be delivered in a one-time shot similar to immunization against diseases like chickenpox and measles.

Thoughts on the practicality of such a thing, and its impact within the context of a potential avian flu or other lethal flu outbreak/mutation?

Thanks!

GSF