What is immunity?

What is immunity? In this article we will delve deeper into the meaning of immunity. The defense system or immune system functions to defend the human body. The system provides protection against external and internal pathogens. All persons in this world have an immune system. This travels throughout the body. It occurs, among other things, in the intestines, respiratory tract, blood, lymphatic system and skin.

Although the immune system offers protection, things can sometimes go wrong. Things go wrong if an enemy manages to get in or if your own body is attacked by the immune system. The result is that it makes us sick. Doctors and research specialists want to do everything they can to combat a pathogen. The aim is that the cells in your own body will no longer be attacked.

Immunity exists when a person is not susceptible to a specific pathogen or disease. Natural immunity arises when people have contracted a particular disease. In such a situation, the person’s immune system will come into contact with the antigen or antigens of a pathogen. The body will then produce memory cells and antibodies against this. Consider, for example, babies who ingest antibodies by drinking breast milk. In addition to natural immunity, there is an artificial way to achieve immunity. Here too, a distinction can be made between passive and active immunization.

Protecting human body

Immune systems protect the body against unexpected invaders. These can be viruses, parasites and bacteria, for example. The body’s own cells with an abnormality are cleared up. Consider, for example, the clearing of tumor cells. It is difficult to distinguish between harmless substances and pathogens. This also applies to the body’s own cells that differ from a regular cell. Immune cells must choose whether to attack or accept. It is then important to find a good balance.

Invaders

From a practical technical point of view, things do not always go as they should. Enemies sometimes invade and create a disease. This can lead to unpleasant infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria. Researchers do everything they can to prevent this. Special vaccines and remedies are made for this. These should ensure an immune response. A tumor cell is usually cleared away, but sometimes manages to escape.

Attackers

In diseases such as rheumatism or diabetes, the body’s own cells are attacked by the body’s own immune system. Then the system is much too offensive. Therapies have been developed that look at the causes of deficiencies in the immune system. People’s immune systems sometimes want to take action against pollen or dust mites. These are basically foreign substances, but can still lead to asthma and allergies. The immune system will then have to be made more tolerant. Studies are being conducted to learn from parasitic worms and stomach bacteria. Because these worms and bacteria protect themselves, the immune system is dampened.

Organ transplants

The immune system is also important in relation to organ transplants. Donor organs are always foreign to the body, which means they can be rejected by the immune system. This may mean that it is necessary for patients to use special medications. These can suppress the system.

What is herd immunity?

Herd immunity can be important to combat viruses and diseases. Vaccines are primarily used to protect you or your children. But it also creates group immunity. If more people have active immunity for a specific disease, the chance of spread becomes smaller. Measles is a good example of this. This condition can spread even if more than 5% of the population is not immune. Immunity is achieved by contracting the disease or being vaccinated.

Elimination of diseases

It’s quite simple. If a person can no longer get sick, the disease can no longer be transmitted to someone else. A disease can even disappear completely. Vaccinations can therefore ensure that diseases are eliminated. This has already happened with smallpox and there is hope that this will also happen with polio. It also applies to rubella and measles.