The Immunity

 In the wake of Covid-19 I decided to have a lesson on the human immunity for my six year old. In preparation for nursing school I took Microbiology and Anatomy and Physiology. In A&P I learned the fascinating ability of cell reproduction and individual white cells responsibility. I learned about virus reproduction and lysis. I often marveled at the human body's intricate design constantly wondering how any doctor after completing medical school could not be a believer in the God Almighty. Every little tiny detail of our body systems to our cells to our chemistry is masterfully perfect. Sure there are malfunctions or clinches, but the overall ideal design is miraculously purposeful. 

As stated before I have tried my best to follow the research covering Covid-19. In some of my readings scientist have voiced concern about antibodies against Covid-19 not lasting for more than a few months. Then it was discovered in fact T cells have a memory that is longer lasting and will sufficiently redefend the body should the person have another exposure to Covid-19. 

In preparing how to teach my daughter about the immunity I read about the individual white cells responsibility, which brought all the information I read about Covid-19 to full circle. Lets see if I can make this simple and understandable. We have B cell and T cells. The B cells are floating around surveying the cells as watchmen. They also act as photographers. When the B cell identifies a pathogen (foreign body) it essentially takes a picture to create memory cells. Then it releases plasma cells as engineers to study the structure of the pathogen. This study of course forms antibodies to attach to the virus causing a breakdown of the virus barrier allowing cell lysis. Later macrophages come in like Cookie Monster to clean up the mess.

That is the first line of defense. If that is all we have sickness and Covid-19 could seem more intimidating. However, there are T cells who come in two groups as well: the Helper cells and the Killer cells. Remember the B cell took a picture, well the T cells gets a copy of that virus and they are looking for evidence of intruders, but they are also looking for compromised cells whom the virus has already invaded. When the invaded cell has been identified the T cell sends little receptors to attach to the cell wall disrupting the membrane again achieving lysis of both the cell and virus. Then here comes another macrophage chomping away to clean up all the pieces.

When I explain these amazing details to my daughter I can assure her that God has made us well and given our bodies the tools to persevere. That assurance can take away the fear. I am not trying to raise a blind fully ignorant person. I want her to be fearfully and wonderfully amazed by her design and her Creator's special attention to detail that makes her extraordinary. There are some things to worry about, but death from this virus is not one of them. Our lives are in God's hands.

28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.[b] 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.  Matthew 10:28-31