We’ve always recognized that moms are exceptional, but new research is backing that claim with evidence. A recent study from McGill University indicates that pregnancy may trigger a natural protective mechanism against the flu—ensuring the safety of both mother and child.
Hold on, isn’t pregnancy typically associated with increased susceptibility to illness? That’s been the conventional wisdom. However, this study, published in Science Advances, suggests a different narrative, at least concerning the flu.
McGill researchers discovered that during pregnancy, the immune system modifies itself in ways that prevent the flu virus from progressing to the lungs, where it can lead to severe complications. Essentially, your body declares, “Not today, flu.”
“A mother must remain healthy to safeguard her developing baby, prompting the immune system to enhance its defenses. This intriguing response in the nasal cavity serves as an additional layer of protection that activates during pregnancy,” explained researcher Dr. Maziar Divangahi to Medical XPress, a specialized medical reporting platform.
Here’s a summary: The researchers conducted experiments on mice (indeed, the biology of mice closely resembles that of humans in several aspects) and established that pregnancy triggers a significant change in the immune system. Certain immune cells in the nasal cavity become active, releasing a molecule that inhibits the Influenza A virus from causing severe harm.
What this means is that your body contributes an extra layer of defense to protect you and your baby because, in an evolutionary context, that’s a top priority. And here’s the twist: This immune system enhancement occurs in the upper respiratory tract, like your nose. So, if it seems like pregnancy has a sixth sense for detecting threats—well, it kind of does.
Now, here’s where it gets particularly fascinating for everyone else: The scientists believe they may be able to replicate this pregnancy-linked superpower in individuals who are not pregnant. This could lead to the development of innovative nasal sprays or treatments that bestow similar flu-fighting capabilities to the rest of us. Their next objective? Utilizing this research to avert lung damage associated with other viral infections, such as COVID-19.
Moms have consistently been the original protectors—nurturing infants, managing everything, and now driving pioneering scientific advancements. Thus, while pregnancy is already a remarkable phenomenon on its own, this research offers yet another reason to admire the incredible things moms are capable of. From nurturing a baby to potentially initiating groundbreaking medical discoveries, moms truly are a continuous source of inspiration. And once more, we find ourselves in tears. (Again.)
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