This morning I learned a most fascinating thing in a most unexpected place. Since I have an upcoming book signing, I decided to stop postponing my flu shot. So, I headed to the Target Clinic near my house (since I have multiple friends who work there), and I was the very first person in line when the clinic opened. I was greeted by a woman with a lovely African accent and, little did I know, she would be the one to give me my shot as well as a lesson in the biology of flu viruses.
As we talked about the pros and cons of each type of vaccine available, this most patient and articulate nurse explained to me that viruses actually have an armor that protects them and helps them to spread; and the goal of the scientists who formulate the flu vaccines is to demolish the armor of the flu viruses. She even went on to tell me that the reason there is no cure for the AIDS virus is because this particular virus has a built-in mechanism that allows it to recreate its armor and thus live on and on. Wow! I feel like I really should have known this.
When I got back home, I immediately did a Google search and read more about what this kind nurse had taken the time to explain to me. Apparently, the armor (or coat) of the flu virus hardens when the temperature is cold, becoming sort of like an envelope, which helps the virus spread much more easily. And then, once the virus has arrived at its destination, it removes its jacket and cuddles up (so to speak) in the cells of its host. Again, wow! This science lesson today made me think much of where I am in life right now and of how very important it is to be “armored up;” we are, after all, in a battle for our very lives. And I certainly feel that way–I feel as if I’m caught in the current of the cares of this world. I really shouldn’t be shocked. We are, after all, told in Holy Scripture to put on the full armor of God; and, if we weren’t in battle, we wouldn’t need armor would we?
As I type this tonight, battle scenes from C.S. Lewis’ Narnia series are playing in my head. Lewis brought the “real” battle to life in such an amazing way. And yes, we know who wins–but we still must fight. We’re either active participants or we’re out of the game altogether. Only it’s not a game. The fight is more real than anything we’ve yet seen. And so when it gets really hard/cold down here, we need to do what that stinking flu virus does–we too need to “harden” our armor, yet never, ever harden our hearts.
Leave a Reply