🧯 PFOS, a 'forever chemical' from the PFAS family, sticks to and interferes with an important part of our immune system called interferon regulatory factor 3, helping viruses replicate more easily, according to a Chinese study that brought together data from trials in mice and human cells, and two sources of human health data. The team identified the way PFOS affects the immune system in mice, and also found mice fed PFOS (at amounts the researchers say are similar to those found in drinking water) experienced more severe flu symptoms than mice that hadn't been exposed. When the team looked at previous data from humans with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), flu or hepatitis B, they found higher levels of PFOS in the blood were linked to higher amounts of the virus in patients. The study highlights the public health risks of exposure to PFAS, the authors conclude. 🗨️ RMIT University's @Dr_Oli_Jones , The University of Queensland's Yong Gao P., and Monash University's Emily S.J. Edwards respond to the research. ✨Follow the link to read the full expert reaction✨ https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/expert-reaction-banned-forever-chemical-pfos-may-make-us-worse-at-fighting-off-viruses #PFAS #foreverchemicals