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LETTER OF THE MONTH
Genuine gene?
I found the article ‘Immune to Everything’ (November, p42) to be quite intriguing. After reading it, I couldn't help but wonder if I might possess the genetic mutation it referred to. As a 66-year-old, I rarely contract colds and if I do, they're usually very mild.
Back in 2002, I did experience a particularly severe cold, possibly the worst cold I can remember having. For the following 10–12 years, however, I was completely cold free.
I'm left pondering whether this prolonged period of health was due to the ISG15 gene mutation or simply a temporary effect following that severe cold.
Simon Shipley, Hertfordshire
Author, Ian Taylor, replies…
Well, it's possible. The mutation…
