In the most recent article, we shared how the human immune system works. Our digestive health is very important for our immune system to work against viruses and bacteria such as COVID-19. Continue on our journey as we share more information on the immune system and why it is necessary to ensure your gut health is taken seriously.
The types of immunity:
The last blog shared about the innate immunity and innate humoral immunity. This week, we are moving onto Acquired immunity and passive immunity. Acquired immunity is immunity which develops with exposure to different antigens.
The immune system builds up a defense against a specific antigen with acquired immunity. As a new parent, other parents or relatives may offer their own advice to bring your baby out into public or to friends’ houses to expose the child to various antigens. They are referring to acquired immunity.
However, it is always best to follow your pediatrician’s advice and your own instinct as a parent. Moving on, breastmilk is incredible for your baby’s immune system development and the recovering mother’s physical and mental health as well. This brings us to our next immunity.
Passive immunity:
This type of immunity is due to antibodies that are produced in a body other than your own. Newborns have passive immunity as they are born with antibodies that are transferred through the placenta from their mother. Around six to twelve months old, the antibodies disappear from the baby’s body.
Passive immunity can also be given by injection of antiserum. The antibodies in the serum are formed by another person or animal. This provides immediate protection against a specific antigen.
However, the injection for passive immunity does not provide long-lasting protection against the antigen. Immune serum globulin, the hepatitus shot, and tetanus antitoxin are both examples of passive immunization. If you step on a nail or get scratched by an old metal fence, you may wonder when your last tetanus shot was as they are not long-lasting.
Blood components:
The immune system includes specific types of white blood cells. It also includes proteins and chemicals in the blood. Antibodies, complement proteins, and interferon are a few examples.
These can directly attack foreign substances in the body. Others work together to help the immune system cells. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell, and there are B and T type lymphocytes.
B lymphocytes become cells which produce antibodies. Antibodies attach to a certain antigen making it easier for the immune cells to attack and destroy the antigen. T lymphocytes attack antigens directly and aid in controlling the immune response. They also release chemicals that control the entire immune response.
While lymphocytes develop, they usually learn to tell the difference between your own body tissues and substances that are not normally found in your own body. Once B cells and T cells are formed, some of those cells will multiply and provide memory for your immune system.
This process allows for the immune system to respond faster and more efficiently the next time it is faced with the same antigen again. It will prevent the body from getting sick with the same illness again in many cases. For example, most people that have the immunization for chickenpox will not get chickenpox, and those that have already have it are very unlikely to have it again.
Digestive health:
Follow up next week for more information on the immune system. Make an appointment if you have an gastro issues. Keeping your digestive health at its peak is important for the immune system which is very important during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Staff Writer