Acquiring Immunity to Disease and Infection

General Overview

The ability to resist infections and diseases is defined as immunity. Immunity safeguards our bodies from harmful substances that can cause illness or infection, allowing us to live in a world surrounded by microorganisms.
The immune system comprises a vast array of cells, tissues, and organs that work in coordination to provide immunity.

Types of Immunity

Innate Immunity: It is the body’s first line of defence, including barriers such as the skin and mucous membranes, which prevent harmful substances from entering the body.
Adaptive Immunity: Also known as acquired or specific immunity, it’s developed when the body is exposed to foreign substances or disease-causing microorganisms.

Mechanisms for Acquiring Immunity

Natural Immunity: This is gained through exposure to disease-causing agents when an infection occurs naturally. After recovery, the immune system can remember the pathogens and can combat them more effectively in the future.
Humoral Immunity: This is the part of adaptive immunity which is mediated by antibodies. B-cells, a type of white blood cell, produce antibodies in response to an infection. Each B-cell is programmed to produce one type of antibody.
Cell-mediated Immunity: This involves T-cells, another type of white blood cell. Some T-cells will directly destroy the infected cells, while others release chemicals to stimulate further immune responses.
Immunisation: This involves exposing the immune system to a weakened or dead pathogen, or parts of the pathogen, to prompt the body to produce an immune response. This allows the immune system to recognise and combat the pathogens if they are encountered again.

Factors Influencing Immunity

Lifestyle: A healthier lifestyle including balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, stress management and proper sleep can support a robust immune response.
Age: Both infants and the elderly typically have weaker immune responses, which can increase susceptibility to infections and diseases.
Medical treatments and conditions: Certain diseases and treatments can suppress immunity, including cancer treatments, organ transplants, HIV/AIDS, and others.
Vaccinations: Immunisation through vaccines provides protection against specific diseases by training the immune system to recognise and combat harmful pathogens.

Health and Wellbeing

Understanding how the immune system works and how immunity is acquired can inform strategies for maintaining health and wellbeing, such as appropriate hygiene practices, vaccination and healthy lifestyle choices.
Regular health checks and vaccinations can help to identify and manage potential health risks and maintain strong immunity.